Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Soil \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.