What does "lye" mean?

Lye: A strong caustic alkaline solution of potassium salts, obtained by leaching wood ashes. It is much used in making soap, etc.

Additional senses

  1. 2.A short side line, connected with the main line; a turn-out; a siding. [Eng.]
  2. 3.A falsehood. [Obs.] See Lie.

Sources