a high-
ranking member of the
worldwide secret society of Freemasons, which has as its principles brotherliness,
charity, and
mutual aid. In its internal
organization, the working of Freemasonry involves a system of symbolic
ritual; the members are classified in numerous degrees which can only be attained after passing a prescribed ordeal or examination, as a test of proficiency. The
Scottish Rite is one of the two
advanced divisions of
Masonic membership.