(definition) by Webster 1913 Tue Dec 21 1999 at 22:46:37

Cow"an (kou"an), n. [Cf. OF. couillon a coward, a cullion.]

One who works as a mason without having served a regular apprenticeship.

[Scot.] Among Freemasons, it is a cant term for pretender, interloper.

 

© Webster 1913.

I like it!

Log in or register to write something here or to contact authors.