> 	Some generic terms are needed, I believe to avoid confusion.

I agree. But I think that both "minstrel" and "jongleur" make good
generic terms, as they seem to be really broad.

Sayeith the OED about minstrel:

a. In early use (i.e. down to the end of the 16th c.), a general
designation for any one whose profession was to entertain his patrons
with singing, music, and story-telling, or with buffoonery or
juggling. In modern romantic and historical use commonly with narrowed
and elevated application: A medieval singer or musician, esp; one who
sang or recited, to the accompaniment of his own playing on a stringed
instrument, heroic or lyric poetry composed by himself or others;
spec. one of the Old English period. The use of the word in romantic
poetry and fiction has so coloured its meaning that the application to
a mere jester, mountebank, or conjuror, originally common, would now
seem inappropriate.

> To teach people about the true Gaelic bard, it is not neccesary
> to eliminate the word bard from your vocabulary meaning a generic
> performer.

But it sure would help.

Then again, it would kind of make a mess of the "Militant Society of
Bards"; a completely new acronym would be needed.

Gregory Blount

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