The Collaborative International Dictionary
Mason \Ma"son\, n. [F. ma[,c]on, LL. macio, machio, mattio, mactio, marcio, macerio; of uncertain origin.]
One whose occupation is to build with stone or brick; also, one who prepares stone for building purposes.
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A member of the fraternity of Freemasons. See Freemason.
Mason bee (Zo["o]l.), any one of numerous species of solitary bees of the genus Osmia. They construct curious nests of hardened mud and sand.
Mason moth (Zo["o]l.), any moth whose larva constructs an earthen cocoon under the soil.
Mason shell (Zo["o]l.), a marine univalve shell of the genus Phorus; -- so called because it cements other shells and pebbles upon its own shell; a carrier shell.
Mason wasp (Zo["o]l.), any wasp that constructs its nest, or brood cells, of hardened mud. The female fills the cells with insects or spiders, paralyzed by a sting, and thus provides food for its larv[ae]