volant

[ voh-luhnt ]

adjective

1. engaged in or having the power of flight.
2. moving lightly; nimble.
3. Heraldry. (of a bird) represented as having the wings extended for flight:

   an eagle volant clutching a fish in its claws.

noun

1. Also called volant piece. Armor. a reinforcing piece for the brow of a helmet.

volant

/ ˈvəʊlənt /

adjective

1. usually postpositive heraldry in a flying position
2. rare.
   flying or capable of flight
3. poetic.
   moving lightly or agilely; nimble

Other Words From

• non·vo·lant adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of volant¹

First recorded in 1540–50; from French, present participle of voler “to fly,” from Latin volāre; -ant

Word History and Origins

Origin of volant¹

C16: from French: flying, from voler to fly, from Latin volāre

Example Sentences

He bounds from the earth as if his entrails were hairs; le cheval volant, the Pegasus qui a les narines de feu!

From Project Gutenberg

At a small distance was an iron passe-volant of 16 pounds, which discharged cartridge shot.

From Project Gutenberg

Quebec now also trembled for itself, and it was at this time that de Lauson reestablished the "camp volant."

From Project Gutenberg

The over-breastplate was also called the volant—a defence much used in tilts in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.

From Project Gutenberg

Sorte d'insecte volant qui porte des cornes dentelées, comme celles du cerf.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• aerial
• floating
• soaring