Crossword Genius

Was I not AB? Perhaps I was! (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

boatswain

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'i was' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'was i not ab? perhaps' is the wordplay.
'perhaps' indicates anagramming the letters.
'was'+'i'+'not'+'ab'='wasinotab'
'wasinotab' is an anagram of 'BOATSWAIN'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for boatswain that I've seen before include "A fully developed bo'sun" , "Merchant ship's petty officer" , "I was not AB (anag) - naval warrant officer" , "One at sea" , "Warrant officer in charge of a ship's crew" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app