Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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CARPENTER'S SQUARE

A symbolic emblem alone or in conjunction with other rolls of the carpenter's trade. Hammer, lathe, and saw are especially symbolic of St. Joseph the Workman. St. Thomas the Apostle, patron of architects and builders, and St. James the Less are both represented in art with the carpenter's square. St. Vincent Ferrer (1350-1419), patron of the building arts, has a tool of that trade for one if his symbols.