Difference between revisions of "The Skirret"
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| − | + | A '''skirret''' is a reel holding a cord, used to set out a line on the ground. It also appears as a symbolic working tool in some forms of Freemasonry. The ''Masonic Lexicon'' of the Masters' and Past Masters' Lodge in New Zealand describes a freely rotating cord holder on a spindle, with the cord's loose end attached to a short stake.<ref name="lexicon">Masters' and Past Masters' Lodge No. 130, Christchurch, [https://themasons.org.nz/div/lexicon.pdf ''A Masonic Lexicon''], p. 10, “Skirret”.</ref> | |
| − | + | == The physical tool == | |
| + | The line supplies an alignment when stretched between fixed points. The reel stores and releases the cord.<ref name="lexicon" /> Carr distinguishes this ground-marking implement from tools for working stone.<ref name="carr">Harry Carr, [https://phoenixmasonry.org/freemason_at_work.htm ''The Freemason at Work''], question 69, pp. 148–150, “Origin of the word ‘Skirret’—Why is it not depicted in the Grand Lodge Certificate?”, reproduced by Phoenixmasonry.</ref> | ||
| − | + | A surviving example in the Dutch Museum of Freemasonry is catalogued as a metal skirret made in Great Britain around 1880, accession number VM 05604. The collection description identifies it with Craft, or blue-degree, Freemasonry.<ref>Dutch Museum of Freemasonry, collection description reproduced at [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:VM_05604_%E2%80%93_Skirret_of_the_blue_degrees_%E2%80%93_19th_century.jpg Skirret of the blue degrees], Wikimedia Commons, object VM 05604.</ref> | |
| − | + | == Masonic use and early evidence == | |
| − | ' | + | Harry Carr associates the skirret with the working tools of the Master Mason in English practice, while noting that several overseas workings do not use it. He traces early evidence to the period of the Lodge of Reconciliation after [[The Union of 1813]]. A letter of 24 September 1816 by Philip Broadfoot uses the spelling “Schivit”. Carr also cites T. O. Haunch's identification of depictions on tracing boards from 1817 and the spelling “skivet” in an 1818 collection of Masonic songs and toasts.<ref name="carr" /> |
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| − | + | Carr suggests that the Lodge of Reconciliation helped introduce the tool. He presents this as a probable explanation.<ref name="carr" /> | |
| − | + | == Meaning and terminology == | |
| + | Carr explains its moral meaning through the straight line as a standard of duty and consistent conduct.<ref name="carr" /> | ||
| − | The | + | The origin of the name remains uncertain. Carr discusses “skirr”, suggesting movement or sound, and “skirt”, meaning to follow an edge, as possible derivations.<ref name="carr" /> The New Zealand lexicon likewise reports the etymology as unresolved and notes that the dictionary examples it consulted were drawn from Masonic writing.<ref name="lexicon" /> |
| − | == | + | == See also == |
| + | * [[The Gauge]] | ||
| + | * [[Operative and speculative Freemasonry]] | ||
| − | + | == References == | |
| + | <references /> | ||
| − | + | {{Topic navigation}} | |
| − | + | [[Category:Working Tools]] | |
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Latest revision as of 11:14, 5 October 2026
A skirret is a reel holding a cord, used to set out a line on the ground. It also appears as a symbolic working tool in some forms of Freemasonry. The Masonic Lexicon of the Masters' and Past Masters' Lodge in New Zealand describes a freely rotating cord holder on a spindle, with the cord's loose end attached to a short stake.[1]
The physical tool
The line supplies an alignment when stretched between fixed points. The reel stores and releases the cord.[1] Carr distinguishes this ground-marking implement from tools for working stone.[2]
A surviving example in the Dutch Museum of Freemasonry is catalogued as a metal skirret made in Great Britain around 1880, accession number VM 05604. The collection description identifies it with Craft, or blue-degree, Freemasonry.[3]
Masonic use and early evidence
Harry Carr associates the skirret with the working tools of the Master Mason in English practice, while noting that several overseas workings do not use it. He traces early evidence to the period of the Lodge of Reconciliation after The Union of 1813. A letter of 24 September 1816 by Philip Broadfoot uses the spelling “Schivit”. Carr also cites T. O. Haunch's identification of depictions on tracing boards from 1817 and the spelling “skivet” in an 1818 collection of Masonic songs and toasts.[2]
Carr suggests that the Lodge of Reconciliation helped introduce the tool. He presents this as a probable explanation.[2]
Meaning and terminology
Carr explains its moral meaning through the straight line as a standard of duty and consistent conduct.[2]
The origin of the name remains uncertain. Carr discusses “skirr”, suggesting movement or sound, and “skirt”, meaning to follow an edge, as possible derivations.[2] The New Zealand lexicon likewise reports the etymology as unresolved and notes that the dictionary examples it consulted were drawn from Masonic writing.[1]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Masters' and Past Masters' Lodge No. 130, Christchurch, A Masonic Lexicon, p. 10, “Skirret”.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Harry Carr, The Freemason at Work, question 69, pp. 148–150, “Origin of the word ‘Skirret’—Why is it not depicted in the Grand Lodge Certificate?”, reproduced by Phoenixmasonry.
- ↑ Dutch Museum of Freemasonry, collection description reproduced at Skirret of the blue degrees, Wikimedia Commons, object VM 05604.
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