Obs. Forms: 1 lésnis(s, 3, 4 lesnes(se. [OE. lésnis, f. lésan, lísan to loose.] Absolution, redemption, forgiveness (of sins).
c. 950. Lindisf. Gosp., Luke i. 68. Forðon gesohte & dyde lesnise [975 Rushw. lesnisse] folces his.
c. 1290. S. Eng. Leg., I. 273/3. Þou most in lesnesse of þine sunnes: habbe þine woneȝingue þere.
1297. R. Glouc. (Rolls), 3604. & wo so her is aslawe is deþ him sal be In lesnesse of al is sinne.
1340. Ayenb., 14. Þe enlefte [article of the Creed] is to leue þe lesnesse of zenne.
