Mid 18th century; earliest use found in John Hill (bap. 1714, d. 1775), physician and actor. From classical Latin nūtant-, nūtāns, present participle of nūtāre to nod, extended form of -nuere.
Definition of nutant in US English:
nutant
adjectiveˈnjuːt(ə)nt
Botany
Nodding; pendulous.
Origin
Mid 18th century; earliest use found in John Hill (bap. 1714, d. 1775), physician and actor. From classical Latin nūtant-, nūtāns, present participle of nūtāre to nod, extended form of -nuere.