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 b e 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. —FutureOrg Trends Approved 4.3.91