Freemason

[theforce]

Hello again,
I understand the origin of this word is related to a guild of actual masons (stone masons) - is this right and where does the 'free' fit in?

[Quizmonster]

Yes, they were actual masons. The 'free' element has been explained in various ways, but The Oxford English Dictionary - generally the 'bible' in such matters - suggests that it most probably meant they had been emancipated (freed) as artisans from any boss or guild control. This meant they were able to travel wherever they wished in order to take part in any of the great medi�val construction-projects such as cathedrals etc.

[Clanad]

Although there are differing schools of thought, the most prevalent seems to explain that, as you surmise, the original craftsmen in stone; i.e., masons were required to be members of a guild (as were other craftsmen, such as carpenters) to preserve the "secrets" of stone working and fitting, especially during the period of building the huge stone churchs and official buildings. The original masons were, by statute (on the Continent, especially France) limited in what they could charge or earn per diem. The wording of the statute (about 1350 AD) included the term free stone masons of different ranks. It's thought this was the genesis of the term "freemason".
It's also thought the guilds previously mentioned, gave the stone masons freedom to travel from job to job and be quaranteed a wage as opposed to other masons that stayed near their home area, primarily within the feudal system of the middle ages. This "freedom" of movement also lent itself to the term "freemason"...

[Clanad]

You have the exasperating ability Q, to show up precisely bertwixt the onset of my penning a response and stroking the "submit" button. At any rate, always good to see you...

[Clanad]

By the way, I see your source, the estimable OED is at odds with my source, which is a book written by G.G. Coupon of St. Johns College, Cambridge, England, entitled Medieval Faith and Symbolism (published by Harper and Brothers, New York).
Having been a Mason myself, the Craft does explain the imprtance of the Guild system to "operative" masons (as opposed to Speculative Masons of today's organization) during the middle ages in insuring payment of wages and protection of stone working secrets, to the point of severly limiting membership and the rise of the Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason designations for the long apprenticeship's required by the Guild masters...

[Quizmonster]

Sorry, C! Had I known you were there, I would of course have withdrawn. At least we came up with much the same answer. Good to see you, too.

[Quizmonster]

Now, it seems, you've done the same to me! As I said, the OED lists several explanations and I just wrote the one they preferred, so the two sources were not necessarily "at odds".

[theforce]

Hope I haven't caused any, ahem, cracks in your professional relationship - your answers are much appreciated.

[kdrlly]

As mentioned it means that the stone mason has been qualified and free of his apprenticeship to work where he likes. All freemasons have to be: Just upright and free men of mature age, sound judgement and strict morals.