Definition of "nay" in English

adverb

1. (archaic or regional, otherwise humorous) No.

2. (archaic or regional) Introducing a statement, without direct negation.

3. (archaic, otherwise humorous) Or rather, or should I say; moreover (introducing a stronger and more appropriate expression than the preceding one).

   • His face was dirty, nay, filthy.

interjection

1. (archaic) No.

noun

1. A vote against.

   • I vote nay, even though the motion is popular, because I would rather be right than popular.

2. A person who voted against.

   • The vote is 4 in favor and 20 opposed; the nays have it.

3. (archaic) A denial; a refusal.

verb

1. (obsolete) To refuse.

adjective

1. (obsolete) Nary; not any

   • 'Tis easy to do this experiment, though nay substance will do: we shall need a special one.
   • Nay man could have come out of such a situation unscathed.