1. A legal excuse or reason for not appearing in court at a required time.
Usage: archaic; legal history

1. To present a legal excuse or reason for not appearing in court.
Usage: archaic; legal history

Examples

• The defendant filed an essoin claiming illness prevented his attendance.
• In medieval courts, a party could essoin themselves if they had a valid reason for absence.
• The essoin was rejected by the judge as insufficient.
• He attempted to essoin from the trial but was unsuccessful.
• Various essoins were recognized under common law, including sickness and royal service.