E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Umble-pie.
A pie made of umbles—i.e. the liver, kidneys, etc., of a deer. These “refuse” were the perquisites of the keeper, and umble-pie was a dish for servants and inferiors.
1
“The keeper hath the skin, head, umbles, chine, and shoulders.”—Holinshed: Chrouicle, i. 204.
