Editing BattleTechWiki:Glossary of BattleTech terms

{{Seealso|:Category:Terminology}}
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== A ==
;<span id="Abtakha">''Abtakha''</span> : A warrior captured but then accepted into his new [[Clan]] as a warrior.

; Aerojock: A slang term to refer to an [[aerospace fighter]] pilot.

;<span id="Aff">''Aff''</span> : Clan abbreviation of "Affirmative." Generally used in place of "Yes."

;<span id="Air Lance">Air Lance</span>
:* An alternative name for a formation of [[aerospace fighter]]s, consisting of two [[conventional aircraft]] or aerospace fighters. A [[Squadron]] consists of six such units.
:* A specialized lance that consists of two aerospace fighters and four BattleMechs ([[Confederate]] or [[Leopard]] payload) (early terminology, currently rarely seen).

;<span id="Alpha Strike Data Card">Alpha Strike Data Card</span> : A unit stat sheet, not unlike a Record Sheet, which provides stats for the unit or formation presented on it. This card is used in [[Alpha Strike (Game System)|Alpha Strike Game System]], allowing for speedier gameplay.

;<span id="Arm of the Dragon">Arm of the Dragon</span> : The [[DCMS|military forces]] of the [[Draconis Combine]]<ref name="HKp113">''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 113: "Wisdom of the Dragon"</ref>

;<span id="Astech">Astech</span> : Short for "Assistant Technician" or "Apprentice Technician." They are apprentice technicians in the truest sense. They start as completely unskilled laborers and acquire knowledge (at least they should over time) as they continue in service.

;<span id="Avalanche Drop">Avalanche Drop</span> : A deliberate [[Drop Pod|orbital drop]] directly on top of enemy forces.

== B ==
;<span id="Ballistic Weapons">Ballistic weapons</span>: Weapons which fire high-speed, unguided projectiles designed to inflict kinetic and/or explosive damage. When compared to [[Energy Weapons]], [[:Category:Ballistic Weapons|ballistic weapons]] produce far less heat, but are generally bulkier and dependent upon limited ammunition. On the Vehicular Scale, Ballistic Weapons fall broadly into three classes: [[Machine gun]]s, [[Gauss rifle]]s, and [[Autocannon]]s.  On the Infantry Portable Scale, Ballistic Weapons fall broadly into the categories of [[Rifle]]s, [[Machine Gun]]s, [[Cannon]]s, [[Autocannon]]s, [[Recoilless Rifle]]s, [[:Category:GyroJet Rifles|GyroJet Rifle]]s, and [[Gauss rifle]]s.

;<span id="Balloon Report">Balloon Report</span> : A Balloon Report is an inaccurate summation of a battle that is filled with "flexible facts stretched around a lot of hot air" instead of an accurate Battle Report that describes the specifics of a battle both good and bad. 

;<span id="Batchall">''Batchall''</span> : (Battle Challenge) The ritual by which Clan warriors issue combat challenges. Though the type and phrasing of the challenge varies, most begin with the challenger identifying himself, stating the prize of the contest, and requesting that the defender identify the forces at his disposal. All ''batchalls'' are closed and final when the phrase "bargained well and done" is spoken by both members of the bid.

;<span id="Binary">Binary</span> : A Clan military formation consisting of two [[Star]]s.

;<span id="Blake's Blood">Blake's Blood</span> : Exclamation of alarm or dismay common in Succession War era Inner Sphere, referencing to ComStar founder Jerome Blake, before falling out of use with the Word of Blake Jihad.

;<span id="Brotherhoods">Brotherhoods</span> : Cabals of MechWarriors who aid (and sometimes hinder) the rulers of the Great Houses.

;<span id="Bug 'Mech">Bug 'Mech</span>: A term used both in and out of the universe to refer primarily to an [[Unseen]] trio of 20-ton 'Mechs: the ''[[Locust]]'', ''[[Stinger]]'' and ''[[Wasp]]'' alluding both to their insect based names as well as their minor combat ability when compared to heavier 'Mechs.

;<span id="Buke">Buke</span> : The second most powerful class in the Draconis Combine. They are the warriors, who fight for the glory of the Dragon.

== C ==
;<span id="Capital Weapons">Capital Weapons</span> : Weapons that are 10 times as powerful as standard scale weapons.  The standard scale damage is 10 times that listed on tables unless otherwise noted.  These weapons are typically found on WarShips and Fortresses.  Capital Missiles may also be found on DropShips.

;<span id="Canister Born">Canister Born</span> : Derisive Clan Freeborn slang for the artificial breeding element of the eugenic program or the [[Trueborn]] warriors that result from that process. Occasionally shortened to '''Canister'''.

;<span id="Caste">Caste</span> : Primary division within Clan society, which is rigidly divided into five castes in order of importance: Warrior, Scientist, Merchant, Technician, and Laborer. Each caste has many subcastes, which are based on specialties within a professional field. A sixth, unofficial caste, the Bandit or Dark Caste, exists outside Clan society.

;<span id="Celestial Throne">Celestial Throne</span> : A synonym for [[Chancellor]] of the [[Capellan Confederation]]. Also, the literal throne of the Chancellor of the Capellan Confederation.

;<span id="Chalcas">''Chalcas''</span> : Clan term referring to persons or beliefs which challenge the Clans' rigid caste system.

;<span id="Claws of the Dragon">Claws of the Dragon</span> : The military districts of the [[Draconis Combine]].<ref name="HKp113"/>

;<span id="Cluster">Cluster</span> : A Clan military formation consisting of four to five Binaries or Trinaries, roughly equivalent to a reinforced battalion or understrength regiment.  At this level, Clan units are often combined-arms formations.

;<span id="Combined Arms">Combined Arms</span>: A military formation which has its elements (BattleMechs, Vehicles, [[Infantry]], aerospace fighters, etc.) more tightly mixed together. These range from regiments with dedicated battalions of vehicles to highly concentrated mixed units that can have units as small as [[company|companies]] or [[lance|lances]] which do not segregate different types of combat elements. Hyphenated when used as an adjective.

;<span id="Commonality">Commonality</span> : Large districts which originally consisted of the signatory states within an interstellar nation. Such political states are used by the Capellan Confederation or independent nations.

;<span id="Command Circuit">Command Circuit</span> : Organized method of using series of [[JumpShip|JumpShips]] in relaying [[DropShip|DropShip(s)]] to distant destinations in a short amount of time.  For example, a DropShip leaving via a Command Circuit might take a week to arrive instead of spending months traveling and waiting for JumpShips to recharge.

;<span id="Coordinator">Coordinator</span> : The Chief of State of the [[Draconis Combine]]; also, the head of the Kurita family.

;<span id="Couple">Couple</span>: The Clan name for coitus.

;<span id="Cutdown">Cutdown</span> : Clan term referring to the minimum force necessary to win a trial for which there has been bidding. Bidders who can push their opponent into making a bid below the cutdown are considered clever, while those who win with a force smaller than the cutdown are greatly honored.

== D ==

;<span id="Dezgra">''Dezgra''</span> : A Clan fighting unit that disgraces itself is known as a ''dezgra'' unit. The name also refers to the ritual whereby that unit is marked and punished. Any unit that refuses orders, panics in the face of the enemy, or takes dishonorable action is disgraced.

;<span id="Diem">Diem</span> : The appointed administrator of a Duchy. A Diem will be charged to administrate small groups of star systems referred to as [[warren|warrens]]. The title is typically used by the Capellan Confederation.

;<span id="Director-General">Director-General</span> : The head of state of the [[Terran Hegemony]].

;<span id="Dogids">''Dogids''</span>:   A personal medallion, or coin, used in the coining ceremony prior to [[Clan]] [[Trial of Bloodright]] contests to determine which warrior can choose the manner of combat (i.e. augmented or unaugmented). The dogids of each warrior, also known as a Bloodright Coin, is released into the Well of Decision simultaneously with the winner being the one which lands on top.

;<span id="Dragon">Dragon</span> : A euphemism for the Draconis Combine or its head of state.

;<span id="Dragon Days">Dragon Days</span> : The local season when nights are at their longest.<ref name="HKp113"/>

;<span id="Dragon's Blood">Dragon's Blood</span> : A rare gem like substance called jewelblood.<ref name="HKp113"/>

;<span id="Dragon's Breath">Dragon's Breath</span> : Death from less than obvious sources. (''e.g.'' He died from the Dragon's Breath.) Also means agents of the [[ISF]].<ref name="HKp113"/>

;<span id="Dragon's Dove">Dragon's Dove</span> : Help from lesser subjects or an unexpected source, particularly in times of need.<ref name="HKp113"/>

;<span id="Dragon's Joy">Dragon's Joy</span> : A sense of satisfaction from helping the [[Draconis Combine]].<ref name="HKp113"/>

;<span id="Dragon's Lair">Dragon's Lair</span> : A safe place.<ref name="HKp113"/>

;<span id="Dragon's Seeds">Dragon's Seeds</span> : Worlds recently conquered by the [[Draconis Combine]].<ref name="HKp113"/>

;<span id="Dragon's Tears">Dragon's Tears</span> : Those military men and women who have fallen in service to the [[Draconis Combine]].<ref name="HKp113"/>

;<span id="Dragon's Teeth">Dragon's Teeth</span> : The house guard of the [[First Lord]] of the [[Draconis Combine]].<ref name="HKp114">''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 114: "Wisdom of the Dragon"</ref>

;<span id="Dragon's Time">Dragon's Time</span> : Night.<ref name="HKp114"/>

== E ==
;<span id="Eat Shells">Eat Shells</span> : Suffer at the hands of the lesser skilled.<ref name="HKp114"/>

;<span id="Element">Element</span> : Alternate term for individual military vehicles, 'Mechs, aerospace fighters, and other combat units.

;<span id="Elemental">Elemental</span> : A title given to both the technologically advanced power armor and the elite genetically engineered Clan infantry who pilot them.

;<span id="Elite">Elite</span> : A rare unit that has endured trials, hardships, and is capable of great military feats.  These are troops or units that have seen the worst of combat and have come through.  Their exploits are the fodder of [[holovid]]s.  Also used for a character of any experience level that had roll/skill targets of two or less for gunnery and three or less for piloting in BattleTech.

;<span id="Elsies">Elsies</span> : Reporting name/Slang term for parties from the Lyran Commonwealth (LC = elle see), primarily used by members of Free Worlds League and Federated Suns.

;<span id="Elstars">''Elstars''</span> : A [[thirty-second century]] Genotype of Clan Warrior that was first introduced by the scientist caste of [[Clan Jade Falcon]].  It combined all three existing genotypes of Clan Warrior; MechWarrior, Elemental, and aerospace pilot.  The resulting combination results in slightly shorter, large headed individuals who show superior reflexes and other abilities. Other Inner Sphere Clans have adopted the genotype as well. They are considered to be superior to typical Clan warrior, but also they are rarely used unless extreme situation are called for. The name of the genotype comes from term ''Elite Ristar''.<ref>''[[Heretic's Faith]]'' pp. 60–61: Kisho is told number of ''Elstars'' have been added to their unit for evaluation.</ref>

;<span id="Energy Weapons">Energy Weapons</span> : Term for weapons which deal damage by directing a concentrated beam of particles or radiation against a target. Unlike [[Ballistic Weapons]], energy weapons are extremely light and compact and when linked a [[fusion engine|fusion reactor]] are ammunition free, but produce very large amounts of waste heat. These weapons fall broadly into three classes: [[Flamer]]s, [[Laser]]s, and [[PPC]]s.

;<span id="Errata">Errata</span> : This is the name used for official canon rules/unit corrections which are issued from publisher of BattleTech. These rules corrections pertain to rules/units which may not be published again for long period of time.<ref>[http://bg.battletech.com/forums/errata/errata-forum-rules-index-read-before-posting/ Explanation of what is "Errata" and its purpose.]</ref><ref>[http://bg.battletech.com/errata/ Official Errata List for BattleTech - bg.battletech.com.]</ref> The singular is erratum.

;<span id="Errant MechWarrior">Errant MechWarrior</span> : A lone MechWarrior who is hired to act as protector of underdefended worlds. They are normally found in the [[Periphery]], and always own their own 'Mechs.<ref>''Handbook: Major Periphery States'', p. 57: Summits and Spies - basic description of Errant is given.</ref>

;<span id="Eyes of the Dragon">Eyes of the Dragon</span> : A weak spot.<ref name="HKp114"/>

== F ==
;<span id="Ferrocrete">Ferrocrete</span> : A common construction material used across the [[Inner Sphere]] and beyond.

;<span id="First Egg, The">First Egg, The</span> : The beginnings of the Draconis Combine.<ref name="HKp114"/>

;<span id="First Precentor">First Precentor</span> : The second-highest office of ComStar, established during the [[FedCom Civil War]]. Notably held by [[Gavin Dow]].

;<span id="First Prince">First Prince</span> : The leader of the Federated Suns and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federated Suns.

;<span id="Fist of the Dragon">Fist of the Dragon</span> : Commanding General of the Draconis Combine's army.<ref name="HKp114"/>

== G ==
;<span id="Genefather">Genefather</span>: A warrior whose DNA was used in the sperm used to produce [[trueborn]] children in a ''[[sibko]]''. Despite the name, a Genefather can be either a male or female warrior, as Clan scientists can implant the DNA of either sex into a sperm.

;<span id="Genemother">Genemother</span>: A warrior whose DNA was used in the egg used to produce [[trueborn]] children in a ''[[sibko]]''. Despite the name, a Genemother can be either a male or female warrior, as Clan scientists can implant the DNA of either sex into an egg. A trueborn warrior is only eligible to fight for the [[Bloodname]] of his or her genemother.

;<span id="Genetic Repository">Genetic Repository</span> : A Clan facility designed to store, maintain, and create new Clan Warriors using the DNA of the founders and their Bloodname successors. Two separate DNA samples are put into a device known as an [[Iron Womb]], where a child develops.

;<span id="Green">Green</span> : Typically applied to troops that are unblooded or inexperienced.  Also used for a character of any experience level that had unmodified roll/skill targets of five or higher for gunnery and six or higher for piloting in BattleTech.

;<span id="Gudarno">Gudarno</span> : A familiar title for the Earls of [[House Stewart]] in the Free Worlds League; coined in [[2406]] after Earl [[Nathan Stewart]] declared the title of Earl to be "good enough."

== H ==
;<span id="Head Like a Shell">Head Like a Shell</span> : (Derogatory) Inexperienced or incompetent.<ref name="HKp114"/>

;<span id="Heart of the Dragon">Heart of the Dragon</span> : Resources and manpower of the Draconis Combine.<ref name="HKp114"/>

;<span id="HeavyMetal Aero">HeavyMetal Aero</span> : The official [[CBT]] software for the design of aerospace fighters, DropShips, JumpShips, WarShips, space stations, monitors, and conventional (combat) fighters.

;<span id="HeavyMetal Battle Armor">HeavyMetal Battle Armor</span> : The official CBT software for the design of battle armor.

;<span id="HeavyMetal Lite">HeavyMetal Lite</span> : The official CBT software for [[ProtoMech]] design, as well as printouts for battle armor and infantry platoon designs.

;<span id="HeavyMetal Plus">HeavyMetal Plus</span> : A bundle of three official CBT software programs: [[HeavyMetal Pro]], [[HeavyMetal Aero]], and [[HeavyMetal Vee]].

;<span id="HeavyMetal Pro">HeavyMetal Pro</span> : The official CBT software for 'Mech design.

;<span id="HeavyMetal Vee">HeavyMetal Vee</span> : The official CBT software for designing combat vehicles.

;<span id="Heavy Weapons">Heavy Weapons</span> : The new Core Books use this term for standard scale CBT Weapons.

;<span id="Hegira">''Hegira''</span> : Honorable withdrawal from battle granted by a Clan warrior to a defeated enemy. ''Hegira'' allows the opponent to withdraw honorably from the field without further combat or cost.

;<span id="Heir apparent">Heir apparent</span> : Person expected but (usually) not confirmed to be another's heir, often used for the nobility but not restricted to it.

;<span id="Heir-Designate">Heir-Designate</span> : Person officially designated to succeed a ruling head of state, such as a crown prince; often shortened to heir. Hyphenated if used as a title, as in the Draconis Combine.

;<span id="Henin">Henin</span> : This is the Draconis Combine class for the commoners who perform the manual labor in society.

;<span id="High Council">High Council</span> : A group of democratic, hereditary, and other officials chosen by the leadership of the member worlds of the Federated Suns who officially governed the nation.

;<span id="House of Scions">House of Scions</span> : A gathering of the Capellan nobility.

;<span id="Hydrofoil">Hydrofoil</span> : A type of high speed waterborne naval vehicle which can weigh over 100 tons. Typically they can be used as a type of Combat Vehicle known as a [[Surface Naval Vessel]].<ref>''Total Warfare'', pp. 22–23: Surface Naval Vessels - Hydrofoil basic description.</ref>

== I ==
;<span id="ilChi">ilChi</span> : State Messenger, a title and office specific to [[Clan Blood Spirit]], an ambassador from the Blood Spirits to a particular Clan.

;<span id="Iron Womb">Iron Womb</span> : Clan device used to artificially conceive children. These devices are usually found in [[Clans#Genetic Repositories|genetic repositories]].

;<span id="Isorla">''Isorla''</span> : The spoils of battle, including bondsmen, claimed by victorious Clan warriors.

== J ==
;<span id="Jàrnskib">''Jàrnskib''</span> : The term used by the JàrnFòlk to describe their JumpShips; translates literally as "iron ships."<ref name="ISP3:IEp64"/>

; Jock : A slang term to refer to a [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]]

; Jump : Abbreviation of Hyperspace Jump, faster-than-light travel from one Jump Point to another, typically covering up to thirty light-years in mere seconds. 

; Jump Infantry : Type of infantry unit equipped with jet packs, greatly increasing maneuverability.

== K ==
;<span id="Knight-Errant">Knight-Errant</span> : An entry level rank of [[Republic of the Sphere#Knights|Knight]] in the service of the [[Republic of the Sphere]]; there is no equivalent to this rank. For information see article in Republic of the Sphere main article. Also the Brotherhood of Randis rank for a lance commander. Originally used for wandering (''errant'') knights.

;<span id="Kuge">Kuge</span> : The highest class in the Draconis Combine. They are the nobility, responsible for running much of the government.

;<span id="Kurultai">''Kurultai''</span> : A [[Clan]] war council.

== L ==
;<span id="Land Train">Land Train</span> : A large ground-based [[Support Vehicle]] which consists of a tractor and multiple trailers. This type of vehicle can be either wheeled or tracked. It usually pulls between 160 to 200 tons. These vehicles serve as large capacity cargo vehicles on colonies or undeveloped worlds with no transportation infrastructure.

;<span id="Letter of marque">Letter of Marque</span> : Essentially a license to commit piracy against the issuing state's enemies. This concept is fully explained in this [[w:Letter of marque|Wikipedia article]].

; Light Weapons : Term the new core rules use for Pistols, Infantry Long Arms, and other weapons that are not commonly mounted in vehicles or on vehicle Pintle Mounts.  These weapons may be attached to battle armor Anti-Personnel Weapon Mounts and are not otherwise accounted for in the construction rules for any type of unit other than an Inner Sphere Infantry Platoon or Clan ''[[Solahma]]'' Infantry Squad.

;<span id="LoaderMech">LoaderMech</span>: A commercial cargo handling [[IndustrialMech]]. Typically employed to do physical labor. They are usually powered by [[internal combustion engine]]s and used by civilians. They are used by military forces to reload weaponry and move supplies.

;<span id="Ling-Temco-Vought (LTV)">Ling-Temco-Vought (LTV)</span>: A firm that designed a large number of fusion engines, jump jets, and other equipment.  Seen primarily in the equipment that other firms produce by license.

== M ==
;<span id="Magestrix">Magestrix</span>: Title of the Supreme Leader of [[Magistracy of Canopus]]. An elected title, which is voted on by the Central Committee and Canopian Electors. The title can be only held by a woman.

;<span id="Mandrinn">''Mandrinn''</span>: A noble rank of the [[Capellan Confederation]]. Approximately equal to a Baron in other realms. '''''Mandrissa''''' is the female equivalent title.<ref>''Handbook: House Liao'', p. 94</ref>

;<span id="Mechjock">Mechjock</span>: A slang term to refer to a [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]]

;<span id="Melee Weapons">Melee Weapons</span>: Term for BattleMech scale melee weapons such as [[Hatchet]]s and [[Sword (weapon)|Sword]]s. While nominally armed with ranged weaponry, the technological decline of the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]] led to the development of specialized BattleMech scale melee weapons in response to the impromptu battlefield debris for physical attacks. While many deride melee weapons as a waste of tonnage and the [[Clans]] consider them highly dishonorable, their ability to inflict increased damage without a heat cost has led to their appearance both in and outside the arenas of [[Solaris VII]].

;<span id="Mercenary's Star">Mercenary's Star</span>: A popular term referring to the premier center of mercenary hiring in the Inner Sphere.

;<span id="Minister General">Minister-General</span>: (New) Free Worlds League political title created by [[Nikol Marik]] in [[3138]], whose duties include ministering to the people of the League to ensure people of the league remain free.<ref>''To Ride the Chimera'', p. 221: Nikol explanation on her self-made title.</ref> The MG also sits over FWL Parliament while it is in session and handles domestic affairs of the League.<ref>''To Ride the Chimera'', p. 314: Thaddeus Marik explains MG's primary responsibility.</ref>  Acts as primary aide to the [[Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|Captain-General]].

;<span id="Missile Weapons">Missile Weapons</span>: Missile Weapons are Rockets and Missiles that are fired from tubes and include an engine in the projectile. Some of these weapons travel a flat trajectory, others have an arcing trajectory that allows them to clear terrain features. In general parlance, Rockets are unguided and Missiles have some form of guidance.

;<span id="Monocycle">Monocycle</span>: A variation on the motorcycle with only one wheel.

;<span id="Muga">Muga</span>: Muga is the state where nothing separates the doer from the doing. The deed is effortless and masterful. This goal applies to military, artistic, religious, and secular endeavors.<ref name=HKDCp155>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 155: "NATIONAL TREASURES SCHOOL"</ref>

;<span id="Mustang">Mustang</span>: A description of a commissioned officer who spent time in the enlisted ranks before becoming an officer.

== N ==
;<span id="Nathaculor">''Nathaculor''</span>: A series of ''zellbrigen'' duels.  Also called "the strike of the unswerving sword": a battle philosophy dictating a series of direct attacks by Clan Jade Falcon.<ref name=JFS25>''Jade Falcon Sourcebook'', p. 25: "First Wave: Falcon in Flight"</ref><ref name=ER3062_56>''Era Report: 3062'', p. 56: "Turkina Keshik"</ref>

;<span id="Naval Star">Naval Star</span> : A Clan formation consisting of 5–6 individual JumpShips or WarShips under the command of a Trueborn officer with the rank of [[Star Admiral]].<ref>''Field Manual: Warden Clans'' pp. 10–11: Aerospace Assets - Naval Star size and description.</ref>

;<span id="Neg">''Neg''</span> : Clan abbreviation of "Negative."

;<span id="Neo-Feudalism">Neo-Feudalism</span> : This concept, first espoused by [[Edward Schedrin]], was an attempt to balance the needs of massive, marginal working populations with those of their societies as a whole.<ref>''Era Digest: Age of War'', p. 4: "Neo-Feudalism"</ref>

== O ==
;<span id="Oathmaster">Oathmaster</span> : Clan name for the master of any particular Clan ceremony.  This can be a temporary position for small ceremonies or events such as trials, or a permanent position answering to the Khan of a Clan. Oathmasters are also responsible for knowing rules and laws of the various ceremonies to be conducted.

;<span id="Oyabun">''Oyabun''</span> : Borrowed from Japanese, literally "foster parent." He is also the absolute leader of a [[Yakuza]] clan.

== P ==
;<span id="PBI">PBI</span> : A MechWarrior's acronym for "Poor Bloody Infantry," those forced to fight without a 'Mech or other vehicle.  Often crushed underfoot, toasted with Flamers, or riddled with Machine Gun bullets by amused pilots; PBIs fight back with shoulder-launched SRMs, Inferno missiles, hand Flamers, and satchel charges.

;<span id="Personal Weapons">Personal Weapons</span> : Pistols and other small weapons carried in addition to any arms issued.

;<span id="Pillars of the Dragon">Pillars of the Dragon</span> : The five pillars of the Draconis Combine.<ref name="HKp114"/>

;<span id="Pilot">Pilot</span> : The aerospace fighter equivalent of a [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]]. Occasionally used as a synonym for MechWarrior.

;<span id="Pit Fighter">Pit Fighter</span> : Solaris VII slang for specialized combat [[Exoskeleton|exoskeletons]] used in arena fighting.

;<span id="Platoon">Platoon</span> : An Inner Sphere military formation, a platoon is the infantry equivalent of the BattleMech/Combat Vehicle Lance, and can consist of anywhere between eight and 28 men depending on infantry type.

;<span id="Point">Point</span> : The smallest Clan military formation, consisting either of one BattleMech, two Land Vehicles or aerospace fighters, five battle armored infantry or ProtoMechs, or five Squads of conventional infantry (25 men total). Commanded by a Point Commander.

;<span id="PodSpace">Pod Space</span> : The amount of unallocated space that an [[OmniMech]], [[OmniFighter]], or [[OmniVehicle]] carries. Pod Space is what allows the OmniMech its tactical flexibility. Weapons, ammunition, and components can be mounted within free Pod Space using [[OmniPod|OmniPods]]

;<span id="Point Commander">Point Commander</span> : A Clan rank, given to the commander of a Point. See [[Point Commander]].

;<span id="Prefectorate">Prefectorate</span> : Officially, the lawmaking body of the Capellan Confederation; made up of the six leaders of the Capellan member states, which generally includes the current Chancellor.

;<span id="Prefecture">Prefecture</span> : A geopolitical district of land or a group of star systems. The latter is commonly utilized within in the Capellan Confederation, Draconis Combine, Republic of the Sphere. They are small collections of planets within a Commonality, each ruled by an appointed administrator.

;<span id="Prince of the Dragon">Prince of the Dragon</span> : First Lord of the Draconis Combine.<ref name="HKp114"/>

;<span id="Privy Council">Privy Council</span> : A group of the highest advisers to the First Prince of the Federated Suns; extremely important in running the day-to-day affairs of the state.

;<span id="Provisional Galaxy">Provisional Galaxy</span> : A second-line or reserve Clan formation consisting mainly of second-line BattleMechs and other equipment. Provisional Galaxies are used to garrison and defend Clan worlds.

;<span id="Power Armor">Power armor</span> : Essentially an industrial exoskeleton that has been covered in armor, this suit of infantry armor is powered by battery packs and may or may not be armed. Power armor comes in the following flavors in the game rules: [[:Category:PA(L) Battle Armor|power armor (light)]], [[light battle armor]] (also known as "scout battle armor"), [[medium battle armor]], [[heavy battle armor]], and [[assault battle armor]].

== Q ==

; ''Quiaff'' : Clan word used at the end of a question in which an affirmative response is expected.

; ''Quineg'' : Clan word used at the end of a question in which a negative response is expected.

== R ==

;<span id="Recharge station">Recharge station</span> : A space station, generally located at a zenith or nadir point within a solar system, where JumpShips and WarShips can recharge their jump drives more quickly than through the use of their Jump Sails alone.

;<span id="Rede">Rede</span> : [[Clan]] honor-bound promise. Breaking a rede may be punishable by death.

;<span id="Regular">Regular</span> : A unit composed of troops that have some combat experience and have worked together for an extended period of time. Also used for a character of any experience level that had roll/skill targets of four for gunnery and five for piloting in BattleTech.

;<span id="Remembrance, The">''Remembrance, The''</span> : Ongoing heroic saga detailing Clan history from the time of the [[Operation Exodus|Exodus]] to the present day. Each Clan has a slightly different version reflecting their own opinions and experiences, and all Clan warriors can quote whole verses of this marvelous epic from memory. See ''[[The Remembrance]]'' page for more information.

;<span id="Rending">Rending</span> : The [[Clan Jade Falcon]] term for a civil war.

;<span id="Reseen">Reseen</span> : A colloquial term for Unseen 'Mechs that have been given new artwork to bring the designs back into published works. Note: The stats themselves ''and the BattleTech name for the 'Mech'' were created by FASA and were therefore never in question, only the artwork.

;<span id="Retrotech">Retrotech</span> : Technological term for Primitive Technology in the late [[thirty-first century]]. The [[Age of War]] level of technology was revitalized among haggard factions of the Inner Sphere to bolster their armies with any type of equipment, regardless of the technological level.<ref>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', p. 144: New Construction Option: Retrotech - Basic info on Retrotech.</ref> The term was originally coined by the [[MRBC]].<ref>''Technical Readout: 3075'', p. 167: Retrotech - basic description of technology and its reemergence.</ref> Often styled RetroTech.

;<span id="Ristar">''Ristar''</span> : Clan portmanteau for "rising star," referring to a particularly gifted warrior on his or her way to high position.

;<span id="Rite of the Vision">Rite of the Vision</span> : [[Clan Nova Cat]] ritual in which a warrior meditates before a large fire to bring on a vision of that person's future. The ritual uses objects known as a ''vineer'' to bring about this vision.  The warrior also does not sleep for over 24 hours and fasts.

; Ronin : A Japanese term for "masterless samurai."

== S ==
;<span id="Sælgeflåde">''Sælgeflåde''</span> : The term used by the JàrnFòlk to describe the family-controlled trading fleets present within JàrnFòlk society.<ref name="ISP3:IEp64">''Interstellar Expeditions: Interstellar Players 3'', p. 64: "Excerpts From ESC-COL-67-4-7"</ref>

;<span id="Scrapper">Scrapper</span> : A post-Jihad Solaris VII infantry warrior. Can be part of a named team or a solo warrior.

;<span id="SecurityMech">SecurityMech</span> : A specific subclass of [[IndustrialMech]], produced in accordance with the [[SecurityMech Treaty of 2613]] and intended for use by police (in the form of PoliceMechs) and corporate security forces.<ref name="VArp227">''Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex Revised'', p. 227: "The SecurityMech Treaties"</ref> A related, but slightly different form of Mech is the [[MilitiaMech]] whose intended purpose is more in line with low intensity combat in contrast to dual-usage SecurityMechs.

;<span id="Shutdown">Shutdown</span> : The process of turning off most 'Mech systems, including weapons and movement. Usually voluntary, it can also happen due to damage or excessive heat.

;<span id="Skåret">''Skåret''</span> : The name given by the JàrnFòlk to outcasts from their society.<ref name="ISP3:IEp64A">''Interstellar Expeditions: Interstellar Players 3'', p. 64: "Under New Management: The JàrnFòlk"</ref>

;<span id="Smile of the Dragon">Smile of the Dragon</span> : Glee at the defeat of a strong opponent.<ref name="HKp114"/>

;<span id="Snakes">Snakes</span> : Term under which [[DCMS]] soldiers are known outside their frontiers, basically if given individual comes from the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] or the [[Federated Suns]].

;<span id="Søskende">''Søskende''</span> : This term, which also means "siblings," is also used by the JàrnFòlk to refer to members of their own clan regardless of actual blood relationship.<ref name="ISP3:IEp64"/>

;<span id="Sons of the Dragon">Sons of the Dragon</span> : Loyal citizens of the Draconis Combine.<ref name="HKp114"/>

;<span id="Stablemaster">Stablemaster</span>: The owner a Solaris VII Stable.

;<span id="StarLeagueDollar">Star League Dollar</span>: The single, unified currency unit used by the Inner Sphere during the Star League. It was backed by the Star League's stock of germanium, which is an integral material in [[Kearny-Fuchida Drive|K-F jump drives]]. Compare to [[C-bill]] and [[H-Bill]].

;<span id="Stravag">''Stravag''</span>: A Clan epithet favored by members of the Warrior Caste, loosely translated as "freeborn."

;<span id="Surface Naval Vessel">Surface Naval Vessel</span>: These vessels are descended from the Ships and Boats used in ancient [[Terra]].  They are loosely classed into standard hulled boats or [[:Category:Hydrofoils|Hydrofoils]].

== T ==
;<span id="Technician">Technician</span> : The people in charge of making repairs to any equipment. Usually used in conjunction of the type of technology they delve in.

;<span id="Terra Synchronized Time">Terra Synchronized Time</span> : Also known as (TST) — this relates the time on any world to the traditional, twenty-four hour clock set to the rise and the fall of local sun(s), dividing the world's time into standard Earth hours and days.<ref>''Warrior: En Garde'', p. 22: Brief planetary description</ref>

;<span id="Tetrarch">Tetrarch</span> : The title given to one of the four co-rulers of the [[Tikonov Union]] and the later [[Tikonov Grand Union]] while those states existed.<ref>''House Liao (The Capellan Confederation)'', pp. 22–23: "Friends And Other Enemies"</ref>

;<span id="Thuggee">Thuggee</span> : The [[Thuggee Cult]] was a pre-spaceflight death cult of assassins, which was secretly devoted to the Hindu death goddess, Kali. The cult was known to have numerous enclaves throughout the Inner Sphere by the thirty-first century.  They became more public in their devotion to Romano and Kali Liao in thirty-first century, viewing them as avatars.<ref>''Warrior: Riposte'', p. 125: [[Quintus Allard]] tells of what he knows of Thuggee in [[3028]].</ref>

== U ==

;<span id="Unit">Unit</span> : Mixed use term for any individual combat organized formation (Example: lances, companies, etc.). This term is sometimes applied to individual vehicles, BattleMechs, or aerospace fighters.
;<span id="Unproductives">Unproductives</span> : The lowest class of the [[Draconis Combine]], composed of society's undesirables including criminal elements like the ''[[yakuza]]''.

== V ==

;<span id="Veteran">Veteran</span> : A unit that has several years of successful combat experience.  Capable of undertaking the most difficult missions and succeeding.  Also used for a character of any experience level that had roll/skill targets of three for gunnery and four for piloting in BattleTech.

;<span id="Vineer">''Vineer''</span> : A [[Clan Nova Cat]] name for an object from a warrior's past which is used for their Clan's [[Rite of the Vision]].  The object is usually a fragment of the person's life in which they throw into a fire to bring about a vision of a warrior's future.<ref>''Path of Glory'', pp. 110–112: Zane throws his ''vineer'' into fire.</ref>

;<span id="Virtues of the Dragon">Virtues of the Dragon</span> : The five virtues that every citizen of the Draconis Combine is extolled to have: Bravery, Tenacity, Audacity, Integrity, and Wisdom.<ref name="HKp114"/>

;<span id="Voorzitter">Voorzitter</span> : The title of the ruler of the [[Malagrotta Cooperative]] during the existence of that nation.

== W ==

;<span id="Warren">Warren</span>: The name for a pair of star systems that belong to a Duchy or Grand Duchy, typically used in the Capellan Confederation. [[Diem|Diems]] are usually appointed by a Duke or Duchess to govern a warren.<ref>''House Liao (The Capellan Confederation) p. 60: Duchies, Warrens, and Demesnes.</ref>

== Y ==

;<span id="Yellow Bird, The">Yellow Bird, The</span> : A yellow bird that seeks to blind the sleeping dragon of the [[Draconis Combine]]. In common usage this also means enemies of the [[Draconis Combine]], particularly those that seem harmless or are overlooked.<ref>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 113: "Wisdom of the Dragon"</ref>

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Terminology|BattleTechWiki glossary of terms]]