Speculative Masonry

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Jump to navigation Jump to search

English

[edit]

Etymology

[edit]

From the belief that Freemasonry originated as an intellectual or “speculative” derivative of the ancient precepts of practical masonry.

Proper noun

[edit]

Speculative Masonry

  1. (archaic) Freemasonry, as distinct from masonry in its ordinary sense relating to construction.
    Coordinate term: Operative Masonry
    • 1875 September 18, “Freemasonry—An Advancive Science”, in The Freemason’s Chronicle, volume 2, number 38, page 180:
      The whole scope and design of Speculative Masonry is to produce advancement in morality and virtue.