rare. [ad. F. lessive:—L. lixīva neut. pl. adj. used as sb.] A lye of wood-ashes, soap-suds, etc., used in washing.
1826. [J. R. Best], Four Yrs. France, 303. The lessive, so the washing is called from the wood ashes employed in it.
1875. Fortnum, Majolica, vi. 59. Take out the wares and allow them to soak in a lessive of soap-suds.
