1640s, probably a back-formation from hesitancy, or else from Latin haesitantem. Related: Hesitantly.
Entries linking to hesitant
hesitancy n.
1610s, from Latin haesitantia "action of stammering," from haesitantem (nominative haesitans) "stammering," present participle of haesitare "to stick fast, stammer" (see hesitation).