Nelson & His World

Has anyone ever heard of the word 'Umsie' used in an old naval sense?
It is used for a tailor's apprentice I know.
It seems either to come from "umm, whatever your name is" or "umm" preceding some stupid question which the apprentice would ask.
A bit like a "squeaker'...

I think the deafening silence counts as a NO

Yes - It's a No from me, that is

I did try, though, Charles - checked my Shorter Oxford and everything. I wish I had a copy of Eric Patridge's 'Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English'; it's a mine of information about your sort of query. You might learn a lot of new words Aunt Agatha would disapprove of, as well!

Thanks for looking, Anna! I drew a blank too. Ah, well, it isn't that important.