Obs. [SOAP sb. Cf. Du. zeepaschen, G. seifenasche.] Ashes of certain kinds of wood used in forming a lye in soap-making.
c. 1515. Interlude of Four Elements (Percy Soc.), 30. Pyche, and tarre, and sope asshys.
1557–71. A. Jenkinson, Voy. & Trav. (Hakl. Soc.), II. 208. Sope ashes are not here in such request that they will acquite the Chardges.
1624. Capt. Smith, Virginia, II. 25. Of Ash and Elme they make sope Ashes.
1651. French, Distill., vi. (1653), 187. Boyl it in a Lixivium made of sope-ashes.
1733. W. Ellis, Chiltern & Vale Farm., 392. The great goodness there is in these Soap-ashes and all others.
1794. T. Davis, Agric. Wilts, 132. In the neighbourhood of towns, soap-ashes are frequently … used as a manure.
1837. R. Ellis, Laws & Regul. Customs, III. 401. Soap Ashes are synonymous with Wood Ashes.
