mason

n. [ F. maçon, 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 (Zool.), any one of numerous species of solitary bees of the genus Osmia. They construct curious nests of hardened mud and sand. --
Mason moth (Zool.), any moth whose larva constructs an earthen cocoon under the soil. --
Mason shell (Zool.), 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 (Zool.), 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 larvae [ 1913 Webster ]