Mason \Ma"son\, n. [F. ma?on, LL. macio, machio, mattio, mactio,
marcio, macerio; of uncertain origin.]
1. One whose occupation is to build with stone or brick;
also, one who prepares stone for building purposes.
2. A member of the fraternity of Freemasons. See Freemason.
Mason bee (Zo["o]l.), any one of numerous species of
solitary bees of the genus Osmia. They construct curious
nests of hardened mud and sand.
Mason moth (Zo["o]l.), any moth whose larva constructs an
earthen cocoon under the soil.
Mason shell (Zo["o]l.), 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 (Zo["o]l.), 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 larv[ae]
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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