{ Aye, Ay } (&unr_;), 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.
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&hand_; This word is written I in the early editions of Shakespeare and other old writers.
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{ Aye, Ay } (&unr_;), adv. [Icel. ei, ey; akin to AS. ā, āwa, always, Goth. aiws an age, Icel. æfi, OHG, &unr_;wa, L. aevum, Gr. &unr_; an age, &unr_;, &unr_;, ever, always, G. je, Skr. &unr_;va course. &unr_;, &unr_;. Cf. Age, v., Either, a., Or, conj.] Always; ever; continually; for an indefinite time.
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For his mercies aye endure. Milton.
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For aye, always; forever; eternally.
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