The Universal Language of Freemasonry - ArchiMeD - Johannes ...

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Chapter 5 - Technical Terminology
bred to the trade." 2. "Hence, one uninitiated in the secrets of Freemasonry; one
who is not a Mason." 3. "Slang. 'A sneak, an inquisitive or prying person.' " 4.
"Attrib. Uninitiated, outside, 'profane.' "
3. Craft
According to the EOF, the term "craft" comes from the Saxon crœft,
signifying skill or dexterity in any art. In the Masonic technical language, it has
acquired a figurative sense and stands as a pars pro toto for Freemasonry itself:
"In reference to this skill, therefore, the ordinary acceptation is a trade or
mechanical art, and collectively, the persons practising it. Hence, 'the Craft,' in
Speculative Masonry, signifies the whole body of Freemasons, wherever
dispersed." 961 When referring to Freemasonry, "Craft" is capitalized. "Craft
Masonry," the short form of "Ancient Craft Masonry," means the first three
degrees (sometimes including the Holy Royal Arch; as stated in point 1. of this
section).
4. Craftsman
In congruity with the above-mentioned term "Craft," a "Craftsman" is defined
in the EOF as "a Mason." 962
5. Gabaon
This French term is a significant word in the high degrees. According to
Oliver, "in philosophical Masonry, heaven, or, more correctly speaking, the third
heaven, is denominated Mount Gabaon, which is feigned to be accessible only
by the seven degrees that compose the winding staircase. These are the degrees
terminating in the Royal Arch." 963 Accordingly, Gabaon is defined to signify "a
high place." 964 However, besides being a place name, this technical term can also
denote a Master Mason: "In a ritual of the middle of the last century [i.e., the 18 th
c.], it is said that Gabanon is the name of a Master Mason. [...] Gabaon is a
French distortion, as Gabanon is an English one, of some unknown word -
connected, however, with the Ark of the Covenant as the place where that article
961 EOF, p. 184.
962 Ibid.
963 Ibid, p. 289.
964 Ibid.