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(emacs)Prefix Keymaps

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Prefix Keymaps
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   A prefix key such as `C-x' or <ESC> has its own keymap, which holds
the definition for the event that immediately follows that prefix.

   The definition of a prefix key is usually the keymap to use for
looking up the following event.  The definition can also be a Lisp
symbol whose function definition is the following keymap; the effect is
the same, but it provides a command name for the prefix key that can be
used as a description of what the prefix key is for.  Thus, the binding
of `C-x' is the symbol `Ctl-X-Prefix', whose function definition is the
keymap for `C-x' commands.  The definitions of `C-c', `C-x', `C-h' and
<ESC> as prefix keys appear in the global map, so these prefix keys are
always available.

   Aside from ordinary prefix keys, there is a fictitious "prefix key"
which represents the menu bar; see Note: Menu Bar, for
special information about menu bar key bindings.  Mouse button events
that invoke pop-up menus are also prefix keys; see *Note Menu Keymaps:
(elisp)Menu Keymaps, for more details.

   Some prefix keymaps are stored in variables with names:

   * `ctl-x-map' is the variable name for the map used for characters
     that follow `C-x'.

   * `help-map' is for characters that follow `C-h'.

   * `esc-map' is for characters that follow <ESC>.  Thus, all Meta
     characters are actually defined by this map.

   * `ctl-x-4-map' is for characters that follow `C-x 4'.

   * `mode-specific-map' is for characters that follow `C-c'.