SOIL (4)

Soil, n. [[OF. soil, souil, F. souille, from OF. soillier, F. souiller. See Soil to make dirty.]] A marshy or miry place to which a hunted boar resorts for refuge; hence, a wet place, stream, or tract of water, sought for by other game, as deer. As deer, being stuck, fly through many soils, Yet still the shaft sticks fast. Marston. To take soil, to run into the mire or water; hence, to take refuge or shelter. O, sir, have you taken soil here? It is well a man may reach you after three hours' running. B. Jonson.