Dictionary entry

Lye

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Lye (?), n. [Written also lie and ley.] [AS. leáh; akin to D. loog, OHG. louga, G. lauge; cf. Icel. laug a bath, a hot spring.] A strong caustic alkaline solution of potassium salts, obtained by leaching wood ashes. It is much used in making soap, etc.