n.
Pronunciation: ' ga-l ə nt (usu in sense 2); g ə - ' lant, g ə - ' länt (usu in sense 3)
Function: adjective
Etymology: 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
Date: 15th century
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
synonyms see CIVIL
– gal · lant · ly adverb