Main Entry: es·soin

Pronunciation: \i-ˈsȯin\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English essoine, from Anglo-French, from essonier to offer an essoin, from es- ex- + *soigne legal excuse, of Germanic origin; akin to Old Saxon sunnea denial, Old English sōth truth — more at sooth

Date: 14th century

1 : an excuse for not appearing in an English law court at the appointed time
2 obsolete : excuse, delay