'abeyant' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'abeance,' where 'a-' meant 'toward' and 'bayer' meant 'to gape or yawn.'

'abeance' transformed into the English word 'abeyance,' and eventually became the modern English word 'abeyant.'

Initially, it meant 'to gape or yawn,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'temporary suspension.'