cowan
0 synonyms and 0 antonyms for cowan, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A stonemason who builds with unmortared, dry stone and never trained as a formal apprentice.
We haven't recorded synonyms for cowan yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.
Etymology
First recorded in Scots in the late 1500s; its exact origin is debated, but it entered Masonic vocabulary as a term for an outsider or uninitiated pretender.
Full origin of cowan →Frequently asked questions
What does “cowan” mean?
The word “cowan” means a stonemason who builds with unmortared, dry stone and never trained as a formal apprentice. In plain terms, an outsider or pretender — historically a self-taught stonemason, later a term for someone faking membership in a secretive group.
How do you pronounce “cowan”?
“Cowan” is pronounced KOH-uhn (/ˈkəʊən/ in IPA).
How do you use “cowan” in a sentence?
Here is “cowan” used in a sentence: “The old drystone walls were built by cowans working without any mortar at all.”
What part of speech is “cowan”?
“Cowan” is a noun.
Where does the word “cowan” come from?
The word “cowan” dates back to around 1500. First recorded in Scots in the late 1500s; its exact origin is debated, but it entered Masonic vocabulary as a term for an outsider or uninitiated pretender.
Is “cowan” a common word?
“Cowan” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “cowan” have?
“Cowan” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a stonemason who builds with unmortared, dry stone and never trained as a formal apprentice.