Aye, Ay (?), adv. [Perh. a modification of yea, or from the interjection of admiration or astonishment, OE. ei, ey, why, hey, ay, well, ah, ha. Cf. MHG. & G. ei, Dan. ej. Or perh. akin to aye ever.]
Yes; yea; -- a word expressing assent, or an affirmative answer to a question. It is much used in viva voce voting in legislative bodies, etc.
⇒ This word is written I in the early editions of Shakespeare and other old writers.
© Webster 1913.
Aye (?), n.
An affirmative vote; one who votes in the affirmative; as, "To call for the ayes and noes;" "The ayes have it."
© Webster 1913.
Aye, Ay (?), adv. [Icel. ei, ey; akin to AS. a, awa, always, Goth. aiws an age, Icel. aefi, OHG, wa, L. aevum, Gr. an age, , , ever, always, G. je, Skr. va course. ,. Cf. Age, v., Either, a., Or, conj.]
Always; ever; continually; for an indefinite time.
For his mercies aye endure.
Milton.
For aye, always; forever; eternally.
© Webster 1913.