Yes, (in its most traditional spelling ) was a high frequency humble marker in the once standard style for written communication called , which is based on the colloquial language in circa 12th century. Hiragana ligatures you see on your Wikipedia article represent common words and phrases utilized in the times and the cursive script () were prevalent.
Under the style of , (as such a humble marker) is bleached of its original meaning and only functions as the copula / main verb marker that symbolizes the style. , being the origin of today's polite marker , means from the most literal "offer" (= ) to a general humble marker then to a simply politer marker (heavily used by women).
You can find some usage from the ligature's article, which reads:
> =
> I will (humbly) write you a letter
> =
> I am spending days only counting on my fingers