tlhIngan-Hol Archive: Thu May 29 09:26:49 2003
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Re: Klingon WOTD: DeghwI' (n)
>This is the Klingon Word Of The Day for Thursday, May 29, 2003.
>
>Klingon word: DeghwI'
>Part of Speech: noun
>Definition: helmsman
As used in canon:
DeghwI' <He chu'>. So'wI' yIchu'!
["Helmsman... New course! Engage cloaking device." (ST6 novel)]
This expression may be based on {DeghwI'} (helmsman). There is no known
verb {Degh}, but if there were such a word, presumably it would mean
"steer", and {DeghwI'}, then, would be literally "one who steers", formed
from {Degh} plus the suffix {-wI'} (one who does [something]). There is a
related noun {Degh} (helm), but since {-wI'} follows only verbs, there
must have been a verb {Degh} at one time that has fallen out of use, at
least in the sense of {steer} ... in the usual sense of guiding a vessel
along a set course or defined path. (KGT 149-50)
In general, {'or} ["operate (an aircraft), pilot"] would not be used to
refer to the activities of the captain of a spacecraft, or even those
of its helmsman, but Maltz said it could be used for the controlling
of a shuttlecraft. (HQ 11.2)
{DeghwI'} was used for "ferryman" in GILGAMESH. Cf. {chIjwI'} "navigator"
and {'orwI'} "pilot".
--
Voragh
Ca'Non Master of the Klingons