COWANS Meaning and
Definition
-
Cowans refers to the plural form of the term "cowan," which commonly refers to an outsider, an intruder, or an uninitiated person in various Masonic traditions. The term is commonly used within the context of Freemasonry, an ancient fraternal organization that emerged in the early 17th century. In Masonry, a cowan is someone who is not a member of the society and lacks the necessary knowledge or understanding of the rituals, symbols, and philosophy associated with this organization.
The term derives from the Old English word "cū," meaning "cow," and "wan," which means "lacking." This etymology highlights the notion that cowans are seen as individuals who lack the necessary qualifications or understanding of the rituals and secrets of Freemasonry. Within the Masonic community, cowans are often regarded as trespassers or individuals who might try to gain illicit access to their rituals or trade secrets.
Furthermore, cowans are often considered adversaries or threats to the integrity and secrecy of the society's teachings. In this sense, the term can also be used metaphorically to refer to anyone who is deemed an outsider or uninitiated in a particular group, society, or field. It is essential to note that the term cowan is predominantly used within Masonic circles and may not have widespread recognition or usage outside these contexts.
Etymology of COWANS
The word "cowans" has multiple meanings, but it is most commonly associated with the term "co-worker". The etymology of "cowans" can be traced back to the Middle English word "co-werkere", which was a combination of the prefix "co-" meaning "together" and the word "werkere" meaning "worker". Over time, this term evolved into "cowan" and eventually "cowans" in its plural form.
Similar spelling words for COWANS
