vbl. sb. [f. SOAP v.] The action or process of smearing, rubbing or washing with soap. Also in fig. context.
1556. in Shropsh. Parish Doc. (1903), 57. For sopyng of clothys, vid.
1706. Stevens, Sp.-Eng. Dict., Enxabonadúra, sopeing of Linnen.
1823. J. Badcock, Dom. Amusem., 150. ‘Bristol soap’ … by its hardness enables the good wives … to perform the act of soaping more perseveringly.
1834. Tait’s Mag., I. 726/1. Some spot where Pleasure’s tail was free from soaping, And all might seize it fast who felt inclin’d.
1879. C. Marvin, Our Public Offices, 23. A vast amount of soaping and towelling was then called into action to remove the grime.
attrib. 1646. Looking-Glass for Sope-Patentees (title-p.), A new Project … to monopolize the Soping-mystery.
1876. Encycl. Brit., IV. 688/2. After washing out of the dye-beck the goods [sc. calicoes] are passed into a soaping beck.
