Excuse for non-attendance in court, or delay permitted a defendant. (Gies, Frances and Joseph. Life in a Medieval Village, 244) The allegation of an excuse for non-attendance at a court at the appointed time. (Bennett, H.S. Life on the English Manor: A Study of Peasant Conditions, 1150-1400, 337) An excuse tendered by or on behalf of one who is summoned to appear in court to perform suit or answer to an action, by reason of sickness or infirmity, or other allowable cause of absence. (Warren, W.L. Henry II, 634) Related terms: Essoiner

A legal excuse for not being in court, such as being on pilgrimage, illness, king's service, etc.

Excuse for not attending manorial court

payment made in lieu of attending court in person

In old English law, an essoin is an excuse for nonappearance in court. Essoining is the seeking of the same. The person sent to deliver the excuse to the court is an essoiner or essoineur.