aye1

 
Pronunciation: /ʌɪ/
(also ay)

exclamation

archaic or dialect
  • said to express assent; yes: aye, you’re right there
  • (aye aye) Nautical a response accepting an order: aye aye, captain
  • (in voting) I assent: all in favour say aye

noun

  • an affirmative answer, especially in voting: the House divided: Ayes 211, Noes 271

Phrases

the ayes have it

the affirmative votes are in the majority.

Origin:

late 16th century: probably from I, first person personal pronoun, expressing assent