Main Entry:

²gal·lant

Pronunciation:

\ˈga-lənt (usually in sense 2); gə-ˈlant, gə-ˈlänt (usually in sense 3)\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English galaunt, from Middle French galant, from present participle of galer to have a good time, from Old French, from gale pleasure, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English wela weal — more at weal

Date:

15th century

1: showy in dress or bearing : smart2 a: splendid, stately <a gallant ship> b: spirited, brave <gallant efforts against the enemy> c: nobly chivalrous and often self-sacrificing3: courteously and elaborately attentive especially to ladies

synonyms see civil

— gal·lant·ly adverb