SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus

cowan

noun
Save Word
cow·​an | \ ˈkau̇ən \
plural -s

Definition of cowan

: one who is not a Freemason especially : one who would pretend to Freemasonry or intrude upon its secrets

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for cowan

Scots, from cowan unskilled worker at masonry, of unknown origin

Learn More About cowan

Dictionary Entries Near cowan

cow's-tail

cowan

cowanyoung

See More Nearby Entries 

Statistics for cowan

Cite this Entry

“Cowan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cowan. Accessed 7 Jul. 2022.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

WORD OF THE DAY

inscrutable

Listen to the pronunciation of inscrutable

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Name That Food

  • a-light
  • Name these cookies!
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games