MASON, THIRTY-THIRD DEGREE

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. —SHSBC Binder 18 Approved Glossary

a reference to a member of the secret fraternal order of Free and Accepted Masons, a worldwide secret society. To join the Masons one has to be elected for membership. Once initiated, a member may advance within the society in a series of stages called degrees. In one Masonic system there are 33 degrees, hence 33rd would be the highest.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.