'abye' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'ābycgan,' where 'ā-' meant 'away' and 'bycgan' meant 'to buy.'

'ābycgan' transformed into the Middle English word 'abien,' and eventually became the modern English word 'abye.'

Initially, it meant 'to buy off or pay for,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to atone for or make amends.'