I have run across this word a few times in English works that are
reputable enough that I have to believe that it's a word and that the
same spelling in multiple locations isn't a coincidence of
misspelling.  I can find no entry in any dictionary or encyclopedia. 
A Web search shows some usage, but no definition or etymology.  Please
cite sources.

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Request for Question Clarification by leapinglizard-ga on 13 Oct 2005 10:26 PDT

Are you sure you're not thinking of the word "amanuensis", which means
a kind of clerk? If you insist that "amuensis" is right, it would help
if you could recollect the title of one of these reputable English
works in which you saw it.

leapinglizard

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Clarification of Question by balto-ga on 13 Oct 2005 12:35 PDT

Sorry.  I don't remember exactly where I've encountered it before, but
I remember noting it.  What triggered the question today is that it
turned up again in a message from a rather learned correspondent. 
Since I was only copied on the e-mail, I'm not comfortable butting
into the discussion to ask him for a tutorial on the word.

I think leapinglizard-ga is correct. In book of Jane Austen's letters
the editor has noted 'sic' against the word amuensis.
"15th. I cannot yet hold a pen, & employ an Amuensis [sic] - The
Politeness & Perspicuity of your Letter equally ... "

http://a9.com/?q=Amuensis&sourceid=mozilla-search
(under book results)

The word "amanuensis" or "emanuensis" means a scribe, one who writes
on behalf of another, e.g. taking down a dictated letter, prophecy,
etc.  English spelling is subject to variation here.

http://www.answers.com/amanuensis&r=67

regards, mathtalk-ga

I started dictating my own stories to my father when I was around five
and after a year or two of acting as my amuensis, he told me I must do
my own writing and I?ve been doing it ever since.
http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:CUQ91EUeMWIJ:www.objectif-cinema.fr/article.php3%3Fid_article%3D3256+Amuensis&hl=en


1876

Walt Whitman publishes sixth edition of Leaves of Grass; begins last
of relationships with young men with Harry Stafford; meets his
amuensis, Horace Traubel
http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:e_yx0xes0uMJ:saintpaulsunday.publicradio.org/features/9702_hampson/whitman/whittime.htm+Amuensis&hl=en


John Christopher Smith (40?s): Handel?s amuensis and business manager.
http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:OE2a1zeird0J:www.capecodtoday.com/modules.php%3Fop%3Dmodload%26name%3DNews%26file%3Darticle%26sid%3D0213+Amuensis&hl=en


With the appropriate structuring of the story making task, these
children took over the activity so thoroughly that Ms. Griffin became
an amuensis instead of a guide. She
http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:UA0J3YwQKU8J:www.uclinks.org/reference/research/cole_01.html+Amuensis&hl=en