Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Transient

Transient , adjective

[Latin transiens, -entis, present participle 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. [Colloquial United States]
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

Transient , noun

That which remains but for a brief time. — Glanvill