Gallantry
/ˈɡæl.ən.tri/noun
Brave and polite behavior, especially by men toward women; also stylish or heroic conduct.
Did you know?Gallantry comes through French from a Germanic root meaning “to rejoice” or “be lively,” showing how a word for spirited conduct was later polished into the code of chivalric behavior.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*galōną / *galaz
“to sing, call out, or be in a lively state”
Old French
OF
galoir / galant
“to be merry, lively, or pleasing; later, a courteous or attentive man”
Middle French
MF
gallant
“brave, spirited, courtly, or amorous”
16th Century
English
gallant
“brave, noble, or ceremonially courteous”
17th Century
English
gallantry
“bravery, noble conduct, or courtly politeness”