Ay

Ay is an expression of pain, like "ouch" in English.

what do these words mean?

Goods, reply'd in his Country Jargon, Ya, dat sall Ick doen Myn Heer; or in English, Ay, Ay, I'll Swear.

The Consolidator or, Memoirs of Sundry Transactions from the World in the Moon

“Ay, that is your point of honour — to cut the throats of the poor — a proper gentlemanlike occupation for those who should protect them!”

The Fortunes of Nigel

Ay, that is the worst of it: if they would only be civil Mrs. Gale wouldn't mind it so much, if they would only seem satisfied with what they get she wouldn't care; but 'these young parsons is so high and so scornful, they set everybody beneath their "fit."

Shirley, by Charlotte Bronte

“Ay, that is in your own manner,” answered Dickie;

Kenilworth

"Ay, that is very good," said Mackenzie in a cautious sort of way,

Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science Volume 11, No. 27, June, 1873

‘Ay, that is because you have the right disposition.

Chapter IX

‘Ay, that is just like your formality and discretion.

Chapter XXXIX

Ay, that is where the lassies have their revenge on the mothers.

The Little Minister

"Ay, that is right," said Herbert, "but you may take them now -- God gives them to you!" and he stooped and kissed the child on the forehead.

Paul the Minstrel and Other Stories Reprinted from The Hill of Trouble and The Isles of Sunset