Soil, n.  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.