Mason

Mason Ma"son, n. [F. ma[,c]on, LL. macio, machio, mattio, mactio, marcio, macerio; of uncertain origin.] [1913 Webster] 1. One whose occupation is to build with stone or brick; also, one who prepares stone for building purposes. [1913 Webster]

2. A member of the fraternity of Freemasons. See {Freemason}. [1913 Webster]

{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] [1913 Webster]