Numbers refer to pages and lines in the Ritual Book. (1209 = 1-20-9)
Aaron
(ehr-un) The older brother of Moses and first high priest of the Hebrews. [1209]
Abif
(ab-if) Literally, his father; a title of honor. [33322]
Abraham
(ay-bruh-ham) The founder of the Hebrew nation. [3693]
acacia
(uh-kay-shuh) A tree or shrub of the mimosa family which grew in the vicinity of Jerusalem. In the Bible it is called “shittim” and was esteemed a sacred wood among the Hebrews. Of it Moses was ordered to make the tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, and the rest of the sacred furniture. Do not pronounce the first syllable as “arh” or the second syllable like “cash.” [33717]
(uh-fil-ih-ay-shun) Act of becoming a member; joining. [4621]
affinity
(uh-fin-uh-tih) A similarity or likeness implying common origin. [37223]
aggravate
(ag-ruh-vayt) Make worse. [23914]
allude
(uh-luud) Refer indirectly to. [14123]
allurements
(uh-loor-m'ntz) Fascinations; charms. [15511]
Amen
(ay-men, ah-men) This word signifies in Hebrew, verily, truly, certainly. [1913]
amicably
(am-ih-kuh-blih) In a friendly manner; goodnaturedly. Not “am-ik-uh-blih.” [3283]
Ammonitish
(am-uh-nih-tish) Of the Ammonites, the descendents of Lot. Not “am-uh-ny-tish.” [23215]
ancient
(ayn-shunt) Antique; very old. [1644]
Ancient Landmarks
A landmark is a fixed marker from which measuring of land is done. The Ancient Landmarks are those fixed principles and practices which constitute Freemasonry, and which cannot be destroyed without destroying Freemasonry itself. [16322]
animosity
(an-uh-mos-uh-tih) Ill will; open or active hostility. [32723]
applicable
(ap-lih-kuh-b'l) Appropriate. Not “uh-plik-uh-b'l.” [1423]
apprentice
(uh-pren-tis) A learner or beginner. [1313]
apprised
(uh-pryz-'d) Informed; notified. Do not confuse with appraised, which means, “placed value upon.” [23217]
approbation
(ap-ruh-bay-shun) Approval; sanction. [3703]
architect
(arh-kuh-tekt) One who designs buildings. Not “arch-ih-tekt.” [35916]
archives
(arh-kyvz) A place for the safe keeping of records; the records themselves. [13616]
artificer
(arh-tif-uh-ser) A craftsman or skilled laborer. Not “arh-tis-uh-fer.” [23522]
ascertain
(ass-er-tayn) Find out with certainty. [11418]
ashlar
(ash-ler) A block of stone from which a column, capital or other finished product is carved or hewn. Not “ash-larh.” [14921]
aspersion
(uh-spur-zhun) False rumor; slander. [37511]
assassins
(uh-sas-inz) Murderers who strike suddenly and without warning. [3615]
assaulted
(uh-sawlt-'d) Attacked violently. [36517]
atheist
(ay-thee-ist) One who denies the existence of a God, or of a supreme intelligent being. A belief in God is one of the unwritten landmarks of the Order. [14216]
atrocity
(uh-tros-uh-tih) Brutality. [34113]
attribute
(at-ruh-byuut) A characteristic or quality of a thing. [1547]
august
(aw-gust) Inspiring awe and reverence; imposing; majestic. Not “aw-gust.” [12721]
auspices
(aws-pis-iz) Patronage. [35913]
bade
(bad) Commanded. [586]
barbarous
(bahr-buh-rus) Uncivilized; primitive. Not “bahr-bair-ih-us.” [23710]
beholden
(bih-hohl-d'n) Held under obligation; indebted. [3222]
beneficent
(buh-nef-uh-s'nt) Doing or resulting in good. Not “ben-ih-fish-unt” [22322]
Boaz
(boh-az) From the Hebrew, “b,” “in”; and “oaz” signifying, “in strength”. [2257]
Bone
(bohn) Is the Hebrew word “bo-neh,” meaning, builder. Correctly pronounced in one syllable.
bourne
(bawrn, bohrn) Boundary. [22115]
brazen
(bray-z'n) Of brass. [2255]
Brethren
(breth-rin) Note that the vowel in the first syllable is “e,” [not “o.” There are no such words as “brothren” or “brothern.” [Also this word consists of only two syllables and is not pronounced “breth-er-in.” The term is used in speaking of Masons and in this connection is preferable to “Brothers.” [1313]
cable-tow
(kay-b'l-toh) A rope. Symbolically, the scope of a man's reasonable ability. [1271]
candor
(kan-der) Fairness; sincerity. [23917]
capital
(kap-uh-t'l) The top part of a column or pilaster. [22810]
(chap-ih-terz) The ornamental tops or capitals of pillars. This form of word is no longer in common use. Do not confuse with “chapters.” [22519]
charter
(charh-ter) A document setting forth a set of granted rights and privileges given by the Grand Lodge to the constituent Lodge at the time of constitution. The Master is its custodian, and must see to its security at all times. [1459]
circuitous
(ser-kyuu-ih-tus) Roundabout; indirect; devious. Do not pronounce “ser-kuh-tus.” [33712]
circumference
(ser-kum-fer-uns) Distance around. [15214]
circumscribe
(sur-kuhm-skryb) Limit; confine. [1285]
circumspection
(sur-kuhm-spek-shun) Careful attentiveness to all circumstances; cautiousness. [38710]
clandestine
(klan-des-tin) Not regular. There is no “d” or “t” on the end of the word. Also not pronounced “klan-des-teen.” [3226]
cleaves
(kleevz) Separates. [3536]
clefts
(kleftz) Openings; narrow passages; fissures. Not “cliffs” or “cliffs.” [3649]
column
(kol-um) A kind of supporting pillar. Not “kol-yum.” [22721]
commemoration
(kuh-mem-uh-ray-shun) Ceremony to honor the memory of. [12720]
commend
(kuh-mend) To put in the care of another; entrust. [37610]