a newt. N.
·noun A water newt. II. Ask ·vi To make inquiry, or seek by request; — sometimes followed by after...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
A common reply to any question; still deemed wit at sea, and formerly at court, under the denominati...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
, or asker A name of the water-newt. ...
The Sailor's Word-Book