Transient \Tran"sient\, a. [L. transiens, -entis, p. pr. of
transire, transitum, to go or pass over. See Trance.]
1. Passing before the sight or perception, or, as it were,
moving over or across a space or scene viewed, and then
disappearing; hence, of short duration; not permanent; not
lasting or durable; not stationary; passing; fleeting;
brief; transitory; as, transient pleasure. ``Measured this
transient world.'' --Milton.
2. Hasty; momentary; imperfect; brief; as, a transient view
of a landscape.
3. Staying for a short time; not regular or permanent; as, a
transient guest; transient boarders. [Colloq. U. S.]
Syn: Transient, Transitory, Fleeting.
Usage: Transient represents a thing as brief at the best;
transitory, as liable at any moment to pass away.
Fleeting goes further, and represents it as in the act
of taking its flight. Life is transient; its joys are
transitory; its hours are fleeting.
What is loose love? A transient gust. --Pope
If [we love] transitory things, which soon
decay, Age must be loveliest at the latest day.
--Donne.
O fleeting joys Of Paradise, dear bought with
lasting woes. --Milton.
-- Tran"sient*ly, adv. -- Tran"sient*ness, n.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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