vol·un·tary /'vä-lən-ˌter-ē/ adj
1 a: proceeding from one's own free choice or consent rather than as the result of duress, coercion, or deception
a voluntary statement
b: not compelled by law: done as a matter of choice or agreement
voluntary arbitration
c: made freely and with an understanding of the consequences
a voluntary plea of guilty
2: done by design or intention
3: made without valuable consideration or for nominal consideration
a voluntary conveyance
vol·un·tar·i·ly /ˌvä-lən-'ter-ə-lē/ adv
vol·un·tar·i·ness n
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.