Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

cowan

noun
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

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about cowan

Dictionary Entries near cowan

covin-tree

cow

cow's-tail

cowan

cowanyoung

coward

Coward

Statistics for cowan

Look-up Popularity

Comments on cowan

What made you want to look up cowan? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

purview

Listen to the pronounciation of purview

the range of authority or knowledge

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Original Meanings Quiz

  • rembrandt-painting-a-young-scholar-and-his-tutor
  • Which of the following is the earliest known sense of the word awe?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

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