1. adv. & n. (also ay)
--adv.
1. archaic or dial. yes.
2 (in voting) I assent.
3 (as aye aye) Naut. a response accepting an order.
--n. an affirmative answer or assent, esp. in voting.
Phrases and idioms:
the ayes have it the affirmative votes are in the majority.
Etymology: 16th c.: prob. f. first pers. personal pron. expressing assent 2. adv. archaic ever, always.
Phrases and idioms:
for aye for ever.
Etymology: ME f. ON ei, ey f. Gmc