List of Masonic abbreviations

The dots are typically arranged in a triangular pattern and carry multiple layers of meaning within Masonic tradition.

[citation needed] The symbol has been used in Freemasonry since its earliest speculative days, at least as early as 1764, where it is found in the registers of La Sincerité Lodge in Besançon, France which stronlgy indicates an earlier use.

[2] While some attribute its widespread adoption to a circular issued by the Grand Orient de France on August 12, 1774, evidence shows earlier usage.

However exceptions exist; for example, Sovereign Grand Inspectors General is abbreviated as S∴G∴I∴G∴, and not S∴G∴II∴G∴.

Sometimes the same abbreviation can be used for different words, in this case the context matters, for example; F∴M∴ can mean both Free-Masonry or Free Mason, FF∴MM∴ would be its plural form.

1812: Official document bearing the signature of the Grand Secretary of the Louisiana Grand Lodge, marked with the traditional three dots in triangle (∴), a Masonic symbol.
Detail of a cornerstone in a Masonic lodge in Rochester, Minnesota with the date given in both Common Era year and Anno Lucis .
Statue of Liberty plaque with M∴W∴ (Most Worshipful) and R∴W∴ (Right Worshipful).
M∴W∴Grand Lodge of F∴ and A∴ Masons of the State of Louisiana, at its Fifty-fifth Annual Communication, held at New Orleans, February 11, 1867. Using the three dots.
A Masonic document in French using several abbreviations.
The Square and Compass with a G.
1840: Early Seal of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana
Front cover of the first Grand Lodge proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Nevada in the year 1865 or 5865