Published online by Cambridge University Press: 18 May 2009
Let G be a group. A precrossed G-module is a group homomorphism ∂: M → G together with a group action (g, m) ↦gm of G on M, such that ∂(gm) = g(∂m)g−1. The Peiffer commutator < m, m′ > of two elements m, m′ ∊ M is denned as
< m, m′ >= mm′ m−1(∂mm′)−1
If all Peiffer commutators are trivial, the precrossed G-module is said to be a crossed G-module. The subgroup < M, M > generated by all Peiffer commutators is called the Peiffer subgroup of M; it is the second term of a lower Peiffer central series (see below). The following table indicates how these concepts reduce to more standard concepts when restrictions are placed on ∂ and G.