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Grid complete, thanks for the hints, I hadn't spotted the qv.

I do appreciate the second definition and I am sure I am correct. My point, however, is - to give an analogy - that topology is a branch of mathematics, urology a branch of medicine and existentialism a branch of philosophy, but I would not be happy with a clue which defined any of these by means of the word 'branches'.

... or, rather, 'branch'.

But the definition is three words, not one, foinaven

I considered that, but then I could not make much sense of 'branches in order'. Yes, I know about the two (or three) variants of mediaeval French, but it still does not ring right for me.

If you followed the qv in my post at #9 it should be clear

. . . the 7th definition, to be precise. Hard to say any more than that, and if you're still not satisfied, I will leave it there

Can't say I got the theme that quickly (it took me solving 14 radials before I spotted it), but now that I have and hence know the nickname, songs and lyric ring I find myself wondering if I can actually be bothered to complete it. Not one of my favourite Listeners.

Hi s_pugh, the finish was a bit of an unsatisfying slog, I relied on Quinapalus a fair bit for the tail-enders. If it wasn't for the fact that I'm a definite 'completer/finisher', I probably wouldn't have bothered. As ever, though, I admire a mind that can dream up and set such a complex puzzle.

Thanks, now I see it. I was using the online Chambers and did not realise I could just click on the qv and then see the definition at issue. Apologies for wasting everyone's time.