Britain's assumption of an ancestral role in passing judgment on Kipling's "lesser tribes without the law" seems genetically embedded.

They may have been remnants of the Alemannic confederation, or simply another lesser tribe.

To the north, across the mountains, the lands of the Erek-jhip-zhonad and a score of lesser tribes stretched for almost 700 miles.

As with the neighbouring Magonsæte, the lands of the Wreocensæte appear to have included a number of lesser tribes or kingdoms.

It was something the lesser tribes of the veydeen and the ferrenghi did not do, so that they stood apart, branded, uncouth and lascivious.

Brutus saw many of the lesser tribes simply dig in their heels and ride from the battlefield.

He formed alliances with lesser tribes and then came to their aid.

Once again, lesser tribes were fleeing the savage depredations of the Suebi.

I might even be forced to send him some of my own; I can never collect so many from the lesser tribes at this season!

One by one, the lesser tribes fell silent under the dominance of the Wolf and the Elk.