Gallant
/ˈɡæl.ənt/noun
Brave, chivalrous, or politely attentive, especially toward women.
Did you know?In medieval French, a related sense of *galant* could mean a courtly lover or elegant man, and the word’s history is tied to the idea of pleasing, lively behavior rather than pure battlefield heroism.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*galaną
“to sing, chant”
Old French
OF
galant
“pleasing, agreeable; courtly, elegant”
Middle French
MF
galant
“a fashionable man; a lover; courteous and attentive”
16th Century
English
gallant
“brave, spirited, splendidly dressed; courtly in manner”
Modern English
English
gallant
“brave, chivalrous, or politely attentive”