etymology - Why say "nay" when you could say "no"


I am curious as to why "nay" replaces the simple unequivocal "no" in the context of voting.


My research in Merriam-Webster tells me that "nay" means "no" (not the other way around) and the first known use of "nay" appeared in 1400s. Since the use of "no" existed before 1400 and the word remains to be used afterward, why would "nay" become the preferred choice of word when it comes to voting. Any idea?




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