Part 28 (1/2)

_To_ a.s.sOILYIE, _v. a._

1. To acquit, to free from a charge or prosecution; a forensic term much used in our courts, S.

_Reg. Maj._

2. To absolve from an ecclesiastical censure; as from excommunication.

_b.e.l.l.e.n.den._

Old E. _a.s.soil_, _asoilen_, and _asoul_, denote the absolution by a priest; P. Ploughman.

3. To p.r.o.nounce absolution from sin, in consequence of confession.

_Abp. Hamiltoun._

4. To absolve from guilt one departed, by saying ma.s.ses for the soul; according to the faith of the Romish church.

_Barbour._

5. Used improperly, in relation to the response of an oracle; apparently in the sense of _resolving_ what is doubtful.

_Douglas._

6. Also used improperly, as signifying to unriddle.

_Z. Boyd._

O. Fr. _a.s.soile_, _absoille_, decharge, absous, despense; Gl.

Roquefort; corr. from Lat. _absolv-ere_.

_To_ a.s.sONYIE, ESSONYIE, _v. a._

1. To offer an excuse for absence from a court of law.

_Stat. K. Will._

2. Actually to excuse; the excuse offered being sustained.

_Quon. Attach._

3. To decline the combat, to shrink from an adversary.

_Wallace._

O. E. _asoyned_, excused; R. Glouc. _Essoine_, a legal excuse, Chaucer.