Definition

1. Adjective:
   • With wings extended in a flying position: Used primarily in heraldry (the study of coats of arms) to describe a bird or other winged creature depicted with its wings spread open as if in flight.
   • Flying or capable of flight: An archaic or poetic term meaning flying, soaring, or having the ability to fly.
   • Quick, nimble, or rapid: An archaic or literary term describing something that moves swiftly or lightly.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (Heraldry):
  • The family crest features an eagle volant. (The family crest shows an eagle with its wings spread in flight.)
• Adjective (Capable of flight - archaic/poetic):
  • The volant seeds of the dandelion scattered on the wind. (The flying seeds of the dandelion scattered on the wind.)
• Adjective (Nimble - archaic/literary):
  • Her volant fingers danced across the piano keys. (Her nimble fingers danced across the piano keys.)

Advanced Usage

• Heraldic Terminology: In heraldry, "volant" is a precise term. A bird "volant" is shown in side view, wings spread and often elevated, as opposed to "displayed" (wings spread, facing the viewer) or "rising" (wings raised as if about to take flight).
  • The charge on the shield is a swan volant. (The emblem on the shield is a swan with wings extended in flight.)

Variants and Related Words

• Volantly (adverb, rare): In a flying or nimble manner.
• Volitation (noun, rare): The act or power of flying.

Synonyms

• Flying: Moving through the air.
• Soaring: Flying or rising high.
• Nimble: Quick and light in movement.
• Agile: Able to move quickly and easily.

Related Phrases

(Note: "Volant" itself is not commonly used in modern phrasal verbs or idioms.)

Related Idioms

(Note: There are no common idioms directly featuring the word "volant." Its use is largely specialized or archaic.)

Adjective

1. with wings extended in a flying position