World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesCowan
/ˈkaʊ.ən/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
An uninitiated person or an outsider, particularly in the context of trades or fraternal organizations such as Freemasonry.
"The lodge rules strictly forbade any cowan from entering the assembly during the ritual." - 2
A builder who constructs stone walls without the use of mortar.
"Historically, the local cowan repaired the field boundaries using traditional dry-stone stacking methods."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from Scottish terminology, historically used in Freemasonry and regional dialects to denote someone who builds dry-stone walls without mortar, or metaphorically an unauthorized or uninitiated person. It likely shares roots with old Scots and Gaelic designations for laborers or outsiders.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Cowan"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Cowan" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
profane
Transliteration: pʁɔ.fan
"Il est considéré comme un profane dans ces traditions."
Außenseiter
Transliteration: ˈaʊ̯sn̩ˌzaɪ̯tɐ
"Er blieb ein Außenseiter in dieser Bruderschaft."
profano
Transliteration: proˈfaːno
"Il termine viene usato per indicare un profano."
profano
Transliteration: pɾoˈfano
"Un profano no puede entender los rituales internos."
profano
Transliteration: pɾoˈfɐnu
"Ele era considerado um profano pelos membros."
बाहरी व्यक्ति
Transliteration: bahari vyakti
"यह नियम किसी भी बाहरी व्यक्ति पर लागू नहीं होता।"
外行人
Transliteration: wàihángrén
"对于这个行当来说，他完全是个外行人。"
문외한
Transliteration: munoehan
"그는 그 비밀스러운 모임에 대해선 문외한이었다."
素人
Transliteration: shirouto
"彼はその組織にとって完全に素人だった。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
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Behavior or speech that lacks consideration, sympathy, or affection; harsh or cruel treatment.
The following of ancient Greek or Roman principles and style in art and literature, generally associated with harmony, restraint, and proportion.
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