In medieval and old English law, an excuse or reason given for not appearing in court; a legal delay or postponement granted on such grounds.
From Old French essoine, possibly from Medieval Latin exoniae or similar. The term comes from legal proceedings in feudal times when excuses like illness or distant travel could delay court appearances.
In medieval times, 'I was too sick to travel' or 'my lord sent me on a mission' were legitimate essigns for skipping court — but you had to have a good story or someone swear to your excuse!
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