Due Guard

A mode of recognition which derives its name from its object, which is to duly guard the person using it as regards his obligations, and the penalty for their violation. It is derived from an ancient, and still current expression used in Scottish Masonry, when the Worshipful Master, on opening the Lodge, says "and this shall be your Dieu Guarde and sign", the former being the first part of the sign, with the two hands held horizontally, the left palm up and the right, above, palm down; the latter part is the penal sign. In some of the old rituals of the date of 1757, the expression is used, but only as referring to what is now called the sign.

~~ooOoo~~
_{This page is adapted from the Glossary at Phoenixmasonry — Used with permission.}