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STAGGER, v :
1. To encipher the same clear text in a second message in depth with
the first but in a position differing by one or more letters.
2. (in Enigma). To try a crib (especially a stagger stretch) at a
number of consecutive positions of the message.
STAGGER STRETCH :
Portion of re-encodement or crib which is considered unlikely to vary,
and which is tentatively fitted at a series of points in the message to
find those positions where it does not crash.
STANDARD CIPHER ALPHABET :
A cipher alphabet in which the normal alphabet sequence is preserved
in both plain and cipher components, or reversed in one of them, one
being slid against the other.
STAR :
A group, usually of several W/T stations using a common frequency,
having one controlling station to which all the others work, and
through which all traffic must pass.
STARFISH :
1. The occurrence of two letters and the same two letters in the
reverse order in the same position on two rods of an Enigma wheel,
corresponding to two sets each of four terminals (sc. two on the
right and two on the left side of the wheel in each set) those of
each set having the same relative positions on the wheel and being
connected in pairs by the wiring in such a way that the two circuits
cross over in the one set but do not cross over in the other;
cf. Beetle, 2.
2. Two constatations involving the passage of current through the
same loop in the unmoved wheels but in the opposite direction.
cf. Beetle, 3.
START :
(in Enigma). Position of wheels at which the first letter of a message
is enciphered; cf. Prestart.
STARTING-POINT :
(especially). Point in a key or subtractor where reciphering of a
code message is begun.
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