Library /sys$common/syshlp/basichelp.hlb Compile time errors, INCFUNUSA  *Conan The Librarian (sorry for the slow response - running on an old VAX)

  ERROR - The parameter list in a DEF  function  invocation  contains  a
  string  where  the  function  expects  a  number, or vice versa.  This
  message is issued only when  the  invocation  occurs  before  the  DEF
  statement  in the program.  Supply a correct parameter in the function
  invocation or correct the parameter list in the DEF.