Model # 363746Most do not realize that The Third Degree or the phrase Give him the Third Degree is a masonic reference going back to the 18th century. A portion of the passage from a mason graduating from fellow craft to master mason, or getting his third degree, in many jurisdictions (but not all) involves a long exchange of questions and answers. The actual questions and answers and generally regarded as masonic secrets but the act of the exchange, outside of fraternity is commonly seen simply as a series of rapid questions and answers demanded from someone. Hence today, after a long sequence of questions and answers, one might say, - He just gave that guy the third degree.