volent, a. and n.
(ˈvəʊlənt)
[a. L. volent-, volens, pres. pple. of velle to will, wish, desire.]
A. adj. Exercising, or capable of exercising, will or choice in respect of one's conduct or course of action.
| 1654 Vilvain Theol. Treat. ii. 47 They say the appetit confined to good is volent, and therefore free. 1686 [see volency]. 1701 Norris Ideal World i. vi. 358 Nor do they [sc. eternal truths] depend upon the mind of God as decretory or volent,..but only..as intelligible or exhibitive. 1849 J. Wilson in Blackw. Mag. LXVI. 388, I leave the body to moulder, and I go sentient, volent, intelligent, whithersoever I am called. |
† B. n. One who freely chooses or determines the course of action which he follows. Obs. rare.
| 1768 Tucker Lt. Nat. (1834) I. 552 Upon this supposition man is a free agent, and a free volent. [See also volency.] |
Hence † ˈvolently adv., willing. Obs.—1
| 1614 T. Adams Diuells Banket iv. 183 Into the pit they runne against their will, that ranne so volently, so violently to the brinkes of it. |