Essoinments

essoin, v. [eh-SS-oy-n]

1. trans. To offer an excuse for the non-appearance of (a person) in court; to excuse for absence.

Earliest known usage: 1494, Acts of Parliament (1266-), Hen. VII c. 5. “The defendaunt..be not essoyned.”

2. To accept an excuse from, let off (a person)

I’ve been reading The Horologicon: A Day’s Jaunt Through the Lost Words of the English Languageby Mark Forsyth (The Inky Fool). It is far too much fun.

So whenever there is someone called into court who isn’t there/is unavailable, someone should offer an essoinment on their behalf.

Many apologies, Your Majesties – allow me to essoin Lord Boris, for he is occupied in the kitchens following the exquisite feast you have just enjoyed.

We shall not essoin Lord Boris – bring him before Us post-haste!