noun
Uncommon
cowan
KOH-uhn
Cowan (noun) means a stonemason who builds with unmortared, dry stone and never trained as a formal apprentice. Example: “The old drystone walls were built by cowans working without any mortar at all.”
noun
1
A stonemason who builds with unmortared, dry stone and never trained as a formal apprentice.
"The old drystone walls were built by cowans working without any mortar at all."
2
In Freemasonry, someone who tries to pass as a member without having gone through the proper initiation.
"Lodge officers were trained to spot a cowan trying to bluff his way into a meeting."
3
An overly curious or prying person who noses into matters that don't concern them.
"Nobody liked discussing private business in front of the local cowan."
How to use cowan
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn outsider or pretender — historically a self-taught stonemason, later a term for someone faking membership in a secretive group.
When to use it
Rare outside historical, trades, or Masonic contexts.
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Word forms
- Plural
- cowans, cowanis
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old drystone walls were built by _____ working without any mortar at all.
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.
Class of 1500
cowan joined the language around 1500.
See the full Class of 1500 →
Rhymes for cowan
See all rhymes for 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.
