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 : smart
2 a : splendid, stately <a gallant ship> b : spirited, brave <gallant efforts against the enemy> c : nobly chivalrous and often self-sacrificing
3 : courteously and elaborately attentive especially to ladies

synonyms see civil

— gal·lant·ly adverb