tlhIngan-Hol Archive: Mon Apr 23 07:47:53 2007
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Re: Klingon WOTD: tuq Degh (noun)
>This is the Klingon Word Of The Day for Saturday, April 21, 2007.
>
>Klingon word: tuq Degh
>Part of Speech: noun
>Definition: family crest
>
>Additional Notes:
>KGT p. 80. The part of a weapon with ornamentation, such as the handle
>({ret'aq}) of a knife, is usually decorated by means of carving. Even
>modern weaponry, such as a disruptor pistol ({nISwI' HIch}) or disruptor
>rifle ({nISwI' bej}), is decorated. For example, typically the head of
>any rivet ({veragh}) used has a raised image of some kind, often that of a
>Klingon warrior's head. Sometimes extra ornamentation, carved of a
>different material, is attached. This would typically be the case with a
>family crest ({tuq Degh}).
"The knifesmith takes pride in designing a weapon that not only performs
well and perfectly fits the hand of the user but that also is considered a
work of art. The aesthetic value of the blade is directly related to its
effectiveness, but the handle is adorned with ornamentation ranging from
traditional designs to symbols that actually indicate ownership, usually by
means of a family crest ({tuq Degh})." (KGT 63)
"Though originally utilitarian in nature, the {Ha'quj} ["baldric, sash"]
has taken on symbolic functions as well, its ornamentation representing the
family unit or house ({tuq}) of its wearer." (KGT 61)
There's a good close-up of Worf's line-badges on the deluxe
aluminum-and-leather sash he wore in "Star Trek: Generations" in TV Guide
(6/24/2006). Other close-ups of Worf's baldrics (he's had several) can be
seen passim in TKW and KGT.
A *gin'tak* (an advisor so trusted he has been made part of the family)
wears a special ring [{Qeb}], bearing the crest of the House he has pledged
his life to defend. (TNG "First Born")
--
Voragh
Ca'Non Master of the Klingons