Passing remarks? (4)
I believe the answer is:
ayes
'passing remarks?' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for ayes that I've seen before include "Affirmative votes as in committee" , "The yes votes at committee meeting" , "Nautical positive responses" , "Affirmatives at sea" , "Nautical affirmatives" .)