fay

¹

[ fey ]

noun

1. a fairy.

fay

²

[ fey ]

noun

, Obsolete.

1. faith.

fay

³

[ fey ]

noun

, Slang: Extremely Disparaging and Offensive.

1. ofay.

Fay

⁴

or Faye

[ fey ]

noun

1. a female given name, form of Faith.

fay

¹

/ feɪ /

noun

1. an obsolete word for faith

fay

²

/ feɪ /

noun

1. a fairy or sprite

adjective

1. of or resembling a fay
2. informal.
   pretentious or precious

fay

³

/ feɪ /

verb

1. to fit or be fitted closely or tightly

Word History and Origins

Origin of fay¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English faie, faie, from Middle French feie, fee, Old French fae, fee, ultimately from Latin Fāta Fate ( def 6 )

Origin of fay²

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English fai, fei, from Anglo-French, variant of feid faith

Origin of fay³

First recorded in 1925–30; by shortening

Word History and Origins

Origin of fay¹

C13: from Anglo-French feid ; see faith

Origin of fay²

C14: from Old French feie , ultimately from Latin fātum fate

Origin of fay³

Old English fēgan to join; related to Old High German fuogen , Latin pangere to fasten

Example Sentences

Celeste Fay, the headteacher at Orchardside School has said the mentorship scheme has been the "most valuable experience" for pupils.

From BBC

Rowena MacDonald said Mr MacDonald made the threat weeks before allegedly shooting and seriously injuring the man, John MacKenzie, and his wife Fay.

From BBC

Linda Fay, expert and founder of the Academy, emphasises the urgency of collaboration.

From BBC

"Belongings are there for a reason," Ms Fay says.

From BBC

Both Ms Fay and Dr Bratiotis call for increased awareness and better resources.

From BBC

Related Words

• gnome
• goblin
• imp
• leprechaun