cowan

American  

[kau-uhn] / ˈkaʊ ən /

noun

• cowans
  plural

1. a person who is not a member of the order of Freemasons but claims to be or seeks to discover or expose its secrets.

2. Scot.. a builder of dry stone walls, especially one who is not trained in the trade of masonry.

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• cowans
  plural

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cowans

For this purpose it was resolved to use different signs, words, and tokens, in every degree, by which they would be secured against cowans and Saracens.

From The Mysteries of Free Masonry Containing All the Degrees of the Order Conferred in a Master's Lodge by William Morgan

J. D.—"To keep off all cowans and eavedroppers, and see that none pass and repass without permission from the chair."

From The Mysteries of Free Masonry Containing All the Degrees of the Order Conferred in a Master's Lodge by William Morgan

The writer was informed when the charges were given him 'that our ancient brethren worshiped in high hills and in low vales, and that guards were placed to keep off cowans or eves-droppers.'

From The Revelation Explained by F. G. (Frederick George) Smith

A. The better to guard against cowans and enemies either ascending or descending, that the brethren might have timely notice of their approach, to prevent being surprised.

From The Mysteries of Free Masonry Containing All the Degrees of the Order Conferred in a Master's Lodge by William Morgan

"To keep off all cowans and eavesdroppers, and see that none pass or repass without permission from the chair."

From The Mysteries of Free Masonry Containing All the Degrees of the Order Conferred in a Master's Lodge by William Morgan