It's interesting, Basil, that you seem to refer to "Harmonics" as the "descriptive" term. I would be more inclined to use the word "descriptive" for "chimes" (In fact, I did, earlier in the thread!), because, to me, the term "chimes" clearly derives from the fact that harmonics, well, sound like chimes--I see no reason why it has to be tied in with Hawaiian mission bells, any particular tune, or anything else so specific.
I think there's a related issue going unexamined: Steel players routinely refer to the sounds produced when they strike a string, then press a pedal, as "bends". This is quite imprecise--the string doesn't bend, it stretches! A campaign to firmly establish "mechanical glissando" as the only acceptable term should be mounted!
