Fellowcraft

/ˈfɛloʊkræft/ noun

Definition

In freemasonry, the second degree of membership; or historically, a skilled worker or craftsperson of intermediate rank.

Etymology

From 'fellow' (equal, peer) and 'craft' (skilled work). This compound emerged in craft guilds to denote someone who had completed apprenticeship but hadn't achieved master status—a hierarchy of worker ranks.

Kelly Says

Medieval craft guilds had strict three-tier systems: apprentice, fellowcraft (or journeyman), and master—and you couldn't move up without passing secret tests and proving your skills, which is why freemasonry kept using this structure!

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