In Masonic terminology, the word “admission” has historically been used to denote a specific process distinct from initiation.

The Old Charges, approved in 1722, use the term “admitted” to refer to those who are initiated into Freemasonry. However, the General Regulations of 1721 draw a clear distinction between “making” and “admission.”

- Making refers to the reception of a profane into the Order of Freemasonry. - Admission designates the election of a Freemason into a particular Lodge.

For example, Regulation v states: “No man can be made or admitted a member of a particular Lodge.” Regulation vi adds: “But no man can be entered a Brother in any particular Lodge, or admitted to be a member thereof.” Regulation viii further clarifies: “No set or number of Brethren shall withdraw or separate themselves from the Lodge in which they were made Brethren or were afterwards admitted members.”

This distinction has not always been consistently applied in recent writings. Nonetheless, correctly speaking:

- A profane who has been initiated is said to have been “made” a Freemason. - A Freemason who has been affiliated with a Lodge is said to have been “admitted” as a member.

Therefore, “admission” refers to the reception of an unaffiliated Brother into membership within a Lodge (see Affiliated Freemason).