a. and sb. [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. sb. 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 † Volently adv., willingly. 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.
