Used in Middle English and Scots verse, “ava” is a brisk command of dismissal, often directed at spirits, foes, or temptations. Its monosyllabic force fits tightly into meter, and its rarity today lends it an eerie or ritualistic quality in poetic invocations, especially in ghostly or moral allegories where the speaker exerts spiritual authority.

“Ava” is a brisk, archaic imperative meaning “go away!” or “begone!”, closely related to “avaunt.” It appears in Middle English and Scots verse as a command of dismissal, often directed at spirits, foes, or temptations. Its monosyllabic force fits tightly into meter, and its rarity today lends it an eerie or ritualistic quality in poetic invocations. Unlike “begone,” which is neutral, “ava” carries contempt or spiritual authority. Students may encounter it in ghost scenes or moral allegories where the speaker asserts control over unseen forces. Related forms include “avaunt,” “aroint,” and “hence,” but “ava” is the most abrupt and dismissive.