1. Plural of freemasonry; the practices, rituals, and organizations of Freemasons, a fraternal society with secret ceremonies and charitable aims.
Usage: Usually capitalized when referring to the formal organization; Often used in historical or sociological contexts
2. Plural of freemasonry; secret or unspoken understanding and sympathy among members of a group or profession.
Usage: Lowercase; figurative use; Common in informal contexts

Examples

• The freemasonries of Europe have influenced architecture and philosophy for centuries.
• There is a freemasonry among journalists that transcends national boundaries.
• The various freemasonries maintain their traditions through initiation ceremonies.
• A freemasonry of understanding existed between the two diplomats.
• Historical freemasonries played important roles in Enlightenment intellectual circles.
• Professional freemasonries often develop unwritten codes of conduct.