gallant
gallant definition
gal·lant (gal′ənt; for adj.4 & n. usually, and for v. always, gə lant′, -länt′)
adjective
- showy and lively in dress or manner
- stately; imposing a gallant ship
- brave and noble; high-spirited and daring
- polite and attentive to women in a courtly way
- having to do with love; amorous
Etymology: ME galaunt < OFr galant, merry, brave, prp. of galer, to rejoice, make merry < gala: see gala
noun
- Now Rare a high-spirited, stylish man
- a man attentive and polite to women
- a lover or paramour
transitive verb
- Now Rare to court (a woman)
- to escort or accompany (a woman)
intransitive verb
Now Rare to court a woman
Related Forms:
- gallantly gal′·lantly adverb
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