Chapter II · Chapter 2

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

United States prizefighter who won the world heavyweight championship three times (born in 1942)

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

possessive form of “ali” — United States prizefighter who won the world heavyweight championship three times (born in 1942)

From this reading Ali's eyes were anything but negligent, however, and Free Traders had reputations to be respected by their rivals of the Companies.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

any thing at all

From this reading Ali's eyes were anything but negligent, however, and Free Traders had reputations to be respected by their rivals of the Companies.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

a statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn

From this reading Dane, glancing down over the Engineer-apprentice's shoulder, saw that Van Rycke's assumption of confidence had indeed paid off.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Ali's eyes were anything but negligent, however, and Free Traders had reputations to be respected by their rivals of the Companies.

a signal transmitted along a narrow path; guides airplane pilots in darkness or bad weather

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Ali's eyes were anything but negligent, however, and Free Traders had reputations to be respected by their rivals of the Companies.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

plural of “company” — an institution created to conduct business

From this reading Ali's eyes were anything but negligent, however, and Free Traders had reputations to be respected by their rivals of the Companies.

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading Dane, glancing down over the Engineer-apprentice's shoulder, saw that Van Rycke's assumption of confidence had indeed paid off.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

an unstable situation of extreme danger or difficulty

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

a native or inhabitant of Denmark

From this reading Dane, glancing down over the Engineer-apprentice's shoulder, saw that Van Rycke's assumption of confidence had indeed paid off.

past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading The very nature of their roving lives taught them savage lessons--which they either learned or died.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Dane, glancing down over the Engineer-apprentice's shoulder, saw that Van Rycke's assumption of confidence had indeed paid off.

one or the other of two

From this reading The very nature of their roving lives taught them savage lessons--which they either learned or died.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Dane, glancing down over the Engineer-apprentice's shoulder, saw that Van Rycke's assumption of confidence had indeed paid off.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading RIVALS "That's far enough, Eysie!"

apart from; not including

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

opinion or judgment

From this reading Ali's eyes were anything but negligent, however, and Free Traders had reputations to be respected by their rivals of the Companies.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading RIVALS "That's far enough, Eysie!"

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading RIVALS "That's far enough, Eysie!"

the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

characterized by or full of force or strength (often but not necessarily physical)

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading Ali's eyes were anything but negligent, however, and Free Traders had reputations to be respected by their rivals of the Companies.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

-ing form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading Dane, glancing down over the Engineer-apprentice's shoulder, saw that Van Rycke's assumption of confidence had indeed paid off.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

cause to stop

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading Ali's eyes were anything but negligent, however, and Free Traders had reputations to be respected by their rivals of the Companies.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Dane, glancing down over the Engineer-apprentice's shoulder, saw that Van Rycke's assumption of confidence had indeed paid off.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

and nothing more

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

having or showing profound knowledge

From this reading The very nature of their roving lives taught them savage lessons--which they either learned or died.

plural of “lesson” — a unit of instruction

From this reading The very nature of their roving lives taught them savage lessons--which they either learned or died.

plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading The very nature of their roving lives taught them savage lessons--which they either learned or died.

the force of workers available

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading The very nature of their roving lives taught them savage lessons--which they either learned or died.

characterized by neglect and undue lack of concern

From this reading Ali's eyes were anything but negligent, however, and Free Traders had reputations to be respected by their rivals of the Companies.

in a negligent manner

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

not any; not one

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Dane, glancing down over the Engineer-apprentice's shoulder, saw that Van Rycke's assumption of confidence had indeed paid off.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The very nature of their roving lives taught them savage lessons--which they either learned or died.

above and across; more than

From this reading Dane, glancing down over the Engineer-apprentice's shoulder, saw that Van Rycke's assumption of confidence had indeed paid off.

marked by the reception of pay

From this reading Dane, glancing down over the Engineer-apprentice's shoulder, saw that Van Rycke's assumption of confidence had indeed paid off.

plural of “period” — an amount of time

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

having great influence

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

possessive form of “queen” — the only fertile female in a colony of social insects such as bees and ants and termites; its function is to lay eggs

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

an inclined surface connecting two levels

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

on the contrary

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

plural of “reputation” — the state of being held in high esteem and honor

From this reading Ali's eyes were anything but negligent, however, and Free Traders had reputations to be respected by their rivals of the Companies.

receiving deferential regard

From this reading Ali's eyes were anything but negligent, however, and Free Traders had reputations to be respected by their rivals of the Companies.

occurring with or following as a consequence

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

plural of “rival” — the contestant you hope to defeat

From this reading RIVALS "That's far enough, Eysie!"

a long thin implement made of metal or wood

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

plural of “rod” — a long thin implement made of metal or wood

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

travelling about without any clear destination

From this reading The very nature of their roving lives taught them savage lessons--which they either learned or died.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Dane, glancing down over the Engineer-apprentice's shoulder, saw that Van Rycke's assumption of confidence had indeed paid off.

(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering

From this reading The very nature of their roving lives taught them savage lessons--which they either learned or died.

cut with a saw

From this reading Dane, glancing down over the Engineer-apprentice's shoulder, saw that Van Rycke's assumption of confidence had indeed paid off.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

the act of firing a projectile

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

lift onto one's shoulders

From this reading Dane, glancing down over the Engineer-apprentice's shoulder, saw that Van Rycke's assumption of confidence had indeed paid off.

a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

inflected form of “teach” — impart skills or knowledge to

From this reading The very nature of their roving lives taught them savage lessons--which they either learned or died.

not permanent; not lasting

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Dane, glancing down over the Engineer-apprentice's shoulder, saw that Van Rycke's assumption of confidence had indeed paid off.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading RIVALS "That's far enough, Eysie!"

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Ali's eyes were anything but negligent, however, and Free Traders had reputations to be respected by their rivals of the Companies.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The very nature of their roving lives taught them savage lessons--which they either learned or died.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The very nature of their roving lives taught them savage lessons--which they either learned or died.

something that is a source of danger

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

plural of “trader” — someone who purchases and maintains an inventory of goods to be sold

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

an inherited pattern of thought or action

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

offensive or disagreeable; causing discomfort or unhappiness

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

any creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts)

From this reading Dane, glancing down over the Engineer-apprentice's shoulder, saw that Van Rycke's assumption of confidence had indeed paid off.

precisely as stated

From this reading The very nature of their roving lives taught them savage lessons--which they either learned or died.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

plural of “weapon” — any instrument or instrumentality used in fighting or hunting

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Ali's eyes were anything but negligent, however, and Free Traders had reputations to be respected by their rivals of the Companies.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading The very nature of their roving lives taught them savage lessons--which they either learned or died.

which person or people

From this reading Although Traders by law and tradition carried no more potent personal weapons--except in times of great crisis--than hand sleep rods, the resultant shot from the latter was just as unpleasant for temporary periods as a more forceful beam--and the threat of it was enough to halt the three men who had come to the foot of the Queen's ramp and who could see the rod held rather negligently by Ali.