mason
UK[ˈmeɪs(ə)n]US[ˈmeɪs(ə)n]
n
a person who builds with stone or brick, or prepares stone for building.
n
(capitalized) a member of the Freemasons, a fraternal and charitable society.
Etymology
the word 'mason' entered english in the late 13th century from the old french term 'maçon', meaning a builder or stoneworker. the french word is believed to have germanic roots, possibly from a frankish word related to the verb 'makon', meaning 'to make'. this etymological journey from a germanic term for 'making' to a specific term for a skilled stone craftsman reflects the specialization of labor in medieval society. the modern, capitalized sense referring to a member of the freemasons derives from the medieval guilds of stonemasons, from which the fraternal society historically evolved.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form. it is a loanword from old french, where it originally meant 'a builder in stone'. its ultimate origin is uncertain but is likely from a frankish or other germanic source related to the concept of making or building.
Examples
the old cathedral was built by skilled masons centuries ago.
he hired a mason to repair the crumbling brick wall.
my grandfather was a proud mason and attended lodge meetings regularly.