how it got its name
2006-09-24 07:17:16 · 2 answers · asked by sk_np2004 1 in Social Science ➔ Sociology
to differentiate from the first and second degrees. They are called cardinal numbers i believe.
2006-09-24 07:19:45 · answer #1 · answered by tomhale138 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you mean as in giving someone the third degree? If so, Giving the person the "third degree" means interrogating him with vigor. In the Masonic lodge, there are three degrees, the first is called Entered Apprentice, the second Fellowcraft, and the third is Master Mason. When a candidate receives the third degree in a Masonic lodge, he is subjected to some activities that involve an interrogation, and it is more physically challenging than the first two degrees (though he not beaten or harmed in any way whatsoever). Giving the person the "third degree" means interrogating him with vigor, and is a phrase taken from the Masonic third degree. Not saying the website below it competely true. That's just what I read there and on a few other masonic websites.
2006-09-24 08:21:13 · answer #2 · answered by OutTehWindow 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋