ay
1[ey]
|
adverb Archaic.
ever; always.
Also aye.
Origin of ay
11150–1200; Middle English ei, ai < Scandinavian; compare Old Norse ei, cognate with Old English ā ever
ay
2[ey]
interjection Archaic.
Origin of ay
2Middle English word dating back to 1300–50
ay
3[ahy]
adverb, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for ay
Historical Examples of ay
“Ay, ay,” said Tibble, regarding him with a well-pleased face.
The Armourer's PrenticesCharlotte M. Yonge
“Ay, sure, both of us; but Ambrose is the best scribe,” said Stephen.
The Armourer's PrenticesCharlotte M. Yonge
Tis none other that the Dean sets forth, ay, and the book that I have here.
The Armourer's PrenticesCharlotte M. Yonge
“Ay, where the Frenchmen live that calender worsted,” returned Giles.
The Armourer's PrenticesCharlotte M. Yonge
I gave it—ay, I gave it to a youth that came to mine aid, and reclaimed a falcon for me!
The Armourer's PrenticesCharlotte M. Yonge
ay
1adverb
Word Origin for ay
C12 ai, from Old Norse ei; related to Old English ā always, Latin aevum an age, Greek aiōn
ay
2aye
interjection
Word Origin for ay
C14 ey: from an involuntary cry of surprise
ay
3sentence substitute, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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