The Dictionary (4th Edition)

The Dictionary (4th Edition) is a specific edition of the in‑world lexicon credited in citations as “THE DICTIONARY, 4th edition, A.R. 3000.” In the narrative, it is quoted as the source of the headword “sline,” which is presented with multiple senses and an editorial note on preferred usage.

First Appearance and Context

• Quoted as “THE DICTIONARY, 4th edition, A.R. 3000” introducing the definition of “sline.” The citation format includes the edition and the A.R. date associated with the Reconstitution calendar.

Roles/Actions and Affiliations

• Serves as an authoritative lexicon tracking senses across periods of Orth, including labels such as “late Praxic Age” and “early Reconstitution.”
• Provides usage notes that guide preference among senses (e.g., explicitly preferring an inclusive social sense over a derogatory one for “sline”).

Relationships

• A specific edition within the broader reference work The Dictionary. The compilers, editors, and sponsoring order (if any) are not identified in the material available so far.

Descriptions/Characteristics

• Citation style appears in uppercase for the work name (“THE DICTIONARY”), followed by edition and date.
• Entries are structured as numbered senses with period labels and occasional commentary (e.g., calling out a “commercial bulshytt term” and marking a derogatory sense as deprecated). The “sline” entry exemplifies this approach.

Current Status/Location

Known through in‑text citations and quotations. The physical form, publication venue, and custody of this edition are not specified.