Now local. Also 7 soyl(e, soile. [Cf. SOIL v.4]
† 1. The feeding of horses on cut green fodder, so as to cause purgation. Obs.
1607. Topsell, Four-f. Beasts (1658), 258. But if the Horse go to soil in April, after five days, bring him forth, wash him all over with water.
1607. Markham, Caval., V. vii. 42–3. Of the soile or scowring horses with grasse…. I wold haue you onelie to put him to the soyle within the house: that is to say, you shal … feede your Horse onely with grasse.
2. Fresh-cut meadow-grass or other green fodder.
1868. N. & Q., 4th Ser. II. 30/2. His [a horse’s] rack was every morning filled with what was called soil, that is,… fresh growing meadow-grass. Ibid., 308/2. To grow a crop for soil or soiling.
