A skilled worker who builds structures by laying bricks and mortar in patterns.
A compound of 'brick' (from Middle Dutch 'bricke') and 'layer' (one who lays). Bricks became common in Northern Europe in the 13th century, creating demand for this specialized trade.
Medieval bricklayers were so valued that they formed powerful trade guilds—some bricklayer families passed their skills through generations for 500+ years! Their precision created buildings that still stand today.
Historically male-coded trade role; women were systematically excluded from apprenticeships and unions in masonry/bricklaying throughout 19th–late 20th centuries despite proven capability.
Use 'bricklayer' neutrally; specify 'women bricklayers' when discussing those who broke barriers, or use 'mason/masonry worker' if avoiding trade-gendered language.
["mason","masonry worker","construction specialist"]
Women like Gwen Brooks (1970s UK) pioneered entry into bricklaying; their visibility counters false assumptions that the trade requires 'innate' masculinity.
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