Bit of thread drift if I may. When doing my family history I discovered that my great great grandfather's profession was given as "engineer", and yet he had signed his birth certificate with a cross, as he was illiterate. Further research revealed that he actually operated a stationary steam engine used to pump out a tin mine. In the same period (mid 19th century) the term was also used to describe railway engine drivers. I believe this is still the case in the US, who often retain the original meaning of English words which have subsequently altered on this side of the pond.