Sir, - Allow me to correct a dangerous misconception that, sadly for the language, has for some years been gaining ground even among the more erudite of letter writers favoured with publication in your columns. A pity that The Irish Times should seem to lend it credence.
The Oxford English Dictionary is, famously, compiled and constructed on historical principles, as have been the more numerous editions of the Shorter Oxford. Thus the first definition among several given of any word is the earliest known; the last given is the most recent recorded; and one, or none, or several may have present currency.
These dictionaries - as a more careful reading will confirm - are meticulous in ascribing dates to examples, or in assigning periods to the introduction or currency of any usage. The definition quoted by Miss O'Hanrahan (October 25th) is supported in the OED first edition by examples from the 14th to the 16th centuries only while a single quotation from, 1868 uses the word, specifically; "in its original sense".
I regret that I do not have the second edition to hand. Caveat lector! - Yours, etc.,
Sandycove,
Co Dublin.