I. in current senses usually ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ — see gallant II noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English galaunt, from Middle French galant, from galant, adjective
1.
a.
(1) : a man of fashion : a young blood
(2) archaic : gentleman — usually used in plural as a noun of address
good morrow gallants! Want ye corn for bread? — Shakespeare
b. obsolete : a fashionably dressed woman
2. : one who is gallant to ladies:
a. : escort , date
her gallant was now more than an hour overdue — Dorothy Barclay
b. : suitor
c. : lover
II. ˈgalənt in sense 4 usually gəˈlant or gaˈ- or -ˈlänt or -ˈlaa(ə)nt or -ˈlȧnt adjective
Etymology: Middle English galaunt, from Middle French galant, from Old French galant, present participle of galer to rejoice, have a good time, from gale pleasure, merrymaking, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English wela weal — more at weal
1.
a. : marked by show, color, smartness, or splendor especially in dress
a gallant figure, with his sword, his rich-laced uniform, his cocked hat and powdered queue — C.B.Nordhoff & J.N.Hall
the loveliest, the most gallant and dashing of the beauties of the end of Queen Victoria's reign — W.S.Maugham
b. obsolete , of a woman : handsome
2. archaic : fine , wonderful , excellent — a generalized expression of admiration
3.
a. : marked by dash and valor or by the promise or show of lively, valiant, or resolute performance ; broadly : splendid , stately
command of a tall and gallant ship speeding over blue water — S.E.Morison
b. : marked by a blend of the high-spirited, brave, dashing, and chivalrous : inspiring admiration : showing courageous fortitude and ready resolution especially in the face of defeat
Pickett's desperate charge … facing a terrific fire, was one of the most gallant efforts — Allan Nevins & H.S.Commager
losing a gallant fight for life
c. : noble, chivalrous, and often self-sacrificing
a gallant white lie … that brings a measure of understanding to the estranged husband and wife — Newsweek
d. in British parliamentary and formal use : distinguished by being in the armed services
the honorable and gallant member from Kent
4.
[French galant, from Italian galante courteous, attentive to women, from Middle French galant dashing, lively, bold]
a. : notably marked by courtesy and attentiveness to women especially in a spirited and dashing or elaborate way
a gallant escort
b. : given to amorous quest and intrigue : concerned with amatory ventures
gallant enough to have made a distinguished marriage by an elopement — G.B.Shaw
Synonyms: see civil
III. usu ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
transitive verb
1. : to bestow gallant attentions on (a lady) : pay court to : act as a suitor or lover toward
2.
a. : to act as an escort to or attend upon (a lady)
b. : escort , conduct
3. obsolete : to handle or manipulate (a fan) in a modish manner
intransitive verb
1. : to act in the manner of a gallant : pay court : flirt : make love
spent his evenings gallanting with the ladies of the town
2. : to gad about or gallivant especially with the opposite sex