Pete M. The best use I've ever seen the OED put to is to be the dictionary of choice for people who can't otherwise play Scrabble. What makes you think a Celtic musician is ignorant of his craft? Or has done no research? Some of the answers which refer to O'Carolan's many planxtys add weight to my husband's explanation. A blind harper would frequently depend on the kindness of friends and strangers to get along. A musician lives by the credo "Don't give up your day job." What sort of day job do you think a blind harper could hold down in those times? When a person asks to be enlightened pedantry is not the answer. Pete!