Sailor's assents (4)
I believe the answer is:
ayes
'sailor's assents' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for ayes that I've seen before include "The yes votes at committee meeting" , "The yes-votes at committee meeting" , "Nautical affirmatives" , "Voting assents" , "Votes of approval during 5 Down" .)