[gal.lant] n (14c) 1: a young man of fashion
2. a: ladies' man b: suitor c: paramour
[2]gal.lant adj [ME galaunt, fr. MF galant, fr. prp. of galer to have a good time, fr. gale pleasure, of Gmc origin; akin to OE wela weal--more at weal] (15c) 1: showy in dress or bearing: smart
2. a: splendid, stately "a ~ ship" b: spirited, brave "~ efforts against the enemy" c: nobly chivalrous and often self-sacrificing
3: courteously and elaborately attentive esp. to ladies syn see civil -- gal.lant.ly adv [3]gal.lant vt (1672) 1: to pay court to (a lady): attend "used to ~ her in his youth --Washington Irving"
2. obs: to manipulate (a fan) in a modish manner ~ vi: to pay court to ladies