adj

gallant

GA-luhnt

adj

Brave and honorable, especially in the face of danger.

"The soldiers made a gallant last stand."

"It was a gallant attempt, even though they lost."

Polite and attentive toward women, in an old-fashioned, chivalrous way.

"He gave a gallant bow and offered her his seat."

noun

A man who is polite, attentive, and chivalrous toward women.

"He played the gallant, opening every door for her."

How to Use Gallant

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBrave and honorable, or old-fashioned courteous toward women.

When to use it

The "courteous toward women" sense now reads as somewhat old-fashioned or formal.

Common pairings

a gallant effort gallant soldier gallant gesture

Word Forms

more gallant comparative, more gallant comparative, gallanted past tense, gallants plural, Gallants plural, gallants singular, most gallant superlative, most gallant superlative

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The soldiers made a _____ last stand.

Etymology

From Old French galant, related to a word meaning "to make merry" — the sense shifted over time from "showy, festive" to "brave" and "chivalrous."