'volant' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'volant' (the present participle of 'voler' meaning 'to fly'), ultimately from Latin 'volare' meaning 'to fly'.

'volare' in Latin gave rise to Old French 'voler' and its present participle 'volant'; the modern English adjective 'volant' was borrowed from Old French/Anglo-Norman usage and preserved its meaning of 'flying'.

Initially it meant 'to fly' or 'flying' in Latin and Old French; in English the literal sense remained but the word became relatively rare/literary and also acquired a specialized use in heraldry.