lewis means A cramp iron inserted into a cavity in order to lift heavy stones; used as a symbol of strength in Freemasonry. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 72 out of 100.
lewis is pronounced /ˈluːɪs/.
Why “lewis” is a great word
LEWIS — [Noun] A specialized cramp iron, forged for insertion into a prepared cavity to hoist and set heavy stone, later adopted as a Masonic emblem of steadfast strength. From Middle English lewis, of uncertain origin; possibly from Old French lous, plural of lou, loup (literally "wolf," the name of a kind of siege engine), or related to clevis. Unlike a clevis (a simple, external U-shaped connector) or a winch (a winding machine for hauling cables), the lewis is an intimate, internal key, a forged secret that mates with the stone's own hidden socket. It is the unseen bite in the darkness of a drilled hole, the silent purchase that allows a block to be swung into the sun, and the trusted grip that lifts a cornerstone to its ordained place—a lesson that true power often lies not in outward force, but in a designed and willing surrender.
Etymology
From Middle English lewis, of uncertain origin. Possibly from Old French lous, plural of lou, loup (“the name of a kind of siege engine”, literally “wolf”); or related to clevis.
noun
- A cramp iron inserted into a cavity in order to lift heavy stones; used as a symbol of strength in Freemasonry.
- The son of a Freemason, envisaged as assisting his father in heavy work or in old age.
- A kind of shears used in cropping woollen cloth.“After the preeming period, the lads are put either to the gig-machines, or to the lewises in the cutting or shearing-room.”
name
- A male given name from Frankish.“And tell false Edward, thy supposed king,
That Lewis of France is sending over masquers,
To revel it with him and his new bride.”
- An English surname originating as a patronymic.“The first line of dialogue is from an off-screen Field Commander Melissa Lewis (Jessica Chastain), asking the team to stay in sight and “make NASA proud”.”
- The title given to a partially apprenticed Freemason who is normally the Master or Son of a practicing Freemason; one practising or learning the degrees of Freemasonry after introduction to the degrees and before full induction or before becoming a Worshipful Brother.
- A locale in the United States:; A census-designated place in Montezuma County, Colorado.
- A locale in the United States:; An unincorporated community in Vigo County, Indiana.
- A locale in the United States:; A minor city in Cass County, Iowa.