Obs. Forms: 4 soigne, 4–5 soyne (4 soyny, 5 soynyn), 5 sonyon. [Cf. prec. and ESSOIN v.] trans. To excuse or exculpate for transgression, etc.; to essoin.
a. 1300. Cursor M., 26717. He þat nu him-seluen wreis þan, Vr lauerd-self sal soigne [Fairfax soyny] þat man. Ibid., 29437. Þof þou wit cursd man commun, þou sal be soyned wit resun.
a. 1400–50. Alexander, 1464. He soyned him be his sorement þat sare him forthinkis.
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., 464/2. Sonyon, idem quod soynyn.
Hence † Soigning vbl. sb. Obs.
a. 1300. Cursor M., 28123. Quen þat i to scriueyng yede, I wald oft songyng for my lede.
