Refers to workers skilled in stone work associated with architectural construction, first documented in Medieval Europe. They are distinguished from other masons in that they were extremely skilled and well-trained in fine and complex work. They were often itinerate, moving wherever large or important buildings were being erected. They were noted for having a system of secret signs and passwords, which they learned from other freemasons and were used as evidence that they were competent and had been properly trained. By the 16th century, the term was often used as a complimentary synonym of "mason," implying that the workman had superior skill.
