# Cowan

/ˈkaʊən/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cowan
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

someone who is not part of a specific group or does not have special knowledge. It is a very old-fashioned or secret word for an outsider.

For teachers: a person who is not a member of a specific craft or group, particularly one who lacks specialized knowledge or initiation. Historically used in stonemasonry and fraternal organizations to identify uninitiated outsiders.

## Examples

- The group kept their secrets safe from any cowan.
- The ancient guild members were careful not to discuss their techniques when a cowan was nearby.
- In the specialized vocabulary of certain fraternal orders, the term serves to distinguish the initiated brother from the cowan, who remains outside the symbolic boundaries of the lodge.

## Usage notes

- Rare and archaic; primarily found in historical texts or within specific fraternal organizations like Freemasonry.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.