gallant

²gal·lant

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

Definition of GALLANT

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

— gal·lant·ly adverb

Examples of GALLANT

1. The defenders of the fort made a gallant stand.
2. They failed to reach the summit, but they made a gallant attempt.
3. He greeted her with a gallant bow.
4. He offered her his seat in a gallant gesture.

Origin of GALLANT

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

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to GALLANT

Synonyms: bold, courageous, dauntless, doughty, fearless, brave, greathearted, gutsy, gutty, heroic (also heroical), intrepid, lionhearted, manful, stalwart, stout, stouthearted, undauntable, undaunted, valiant, valorous

Antonyms: chicken, chickenhearted, chicken-livered, coward, cowardly, craven, dastardly, fainthearted, fearful, gutless, lily-livered, milk-livered [archaic], nerveless, poltroon, poor-spirited, pusillanimous, spineless, spiritless, timorous, uncourageous, ungallant, unheroic, weakhearted, yellow

Related Words: determined, firm, game, gamy (or gamey), gritty, plucky, resolute, Spartan, undeterred, undismayed, unflinching, unswerving; mettlesome, spirited, spunky; adventuresome, adventurous, audacious, daring, dashing, hardy, venturesome, venturous; crazy, foolish, half-witted, insane, lunatic, mad, nutty; brash, brazen, daredevil, foolhardy, heedless, hotheaded, impetuous, imprudent, impulsive, incautious, madcap, overbold, overconfident, rash, reckless, thoughtless, wild; hasty, headlong, precipitate; comforted, emboldened, encouraged, heartened, reassured, unafraid

Near Antonyms: diffident, mousy (or mousey), scary, shy, skittish, timid; anxious, apprehensive, nervous; careful, cautious, heedful, prudent, unadventurous; afraid, agitated, disconcerted, disquieted, disturbed, frightened, horrified, panicked, panic-stricken, perturbed, scared, shocked, spooked, startled, terrified, terrorized, unnerved, upset; appalled, concerned, dismayed, worried; unmanly, weak, wimpy

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