int. Obs. Also 4 avoi, auoy. [a. OF. avoi, avoy! of uncertain origin.] Exclamation of surprise, fear, remonstrance.
[c. 1193. Benedict. Petrib., in Mater. Hist. Becket, Rolls Ser. II. ‘Auoy!’ inquit, ‘quid est quod dicis?’]
c. 1300. Beket, 2066. ‘Avoi! Sire preost!’ he seide.
c. 1325. E. E. Allit. P., B. 863. Avoy! hit is your vylaynye.
c. 1330. Florice & Bl., 480. Auoy! [printed by D. Laing anoth] dameisele, quaþ Blauncheflour.
c. 1386. Chaucer, Nonne Pr. T., 88. Avoy quod she, fy on yow hertelees.
1393. Gower, Conf., III. 332. Avoy my lorde, I am a maide.
