Literary notes about Deferent (AI summary)
The word "deferent" appears in literature with a double life. In discussions of cosmology or astronomy, it identifies the circular path—or orbit—in which a planet moves, serving as a technical descriptor in discussions of cosmic mechanics [1], [2], [3]. At the same time, it functions as an adjective conveying respectful, courteous behavior in interpersonal interactions, enriching character portraits and dialogue through phrases like a deferent tone or a quietly deferent demeanor [4], [5], [6].
- The major planets were supposed to revolve in the deferent round the earth in their own periodic times, and in their epicycles once in a year.
— from History of Astronomy by George Forbes - We are to suppose that at a point marked M there is a fictitious planet, which revolves around the earth uniformly, in a circle called the DEFERENT.
— from Great Astronomers by Robert S. (Robert Stawell) Ball - Such was the theory advanced by Copernicus: The earth moves in an epicycle, on a deferent whose centre is a little distance from the sun.
— from History of Astronomy by George Forbes - Sir Thomas asked in a deferent tone of voice.
— from That Sweet Little Old Lady by Randall Garrett - Never in all his life had Guy been so deferent, so loving, to his father.
— from John Halifax, Gentleman by Dinah Maria Mulock Craik - The Chamberlain expressed deferent surprise at his Highness's idea, and sought the Magister.
— from The Lost Manuscript: A Novel by Gustav Freytag
