adjective , noun
■ adjective / ˈgælənt; NAmE /
1.
( old-fashioned or literary ) brave, especially in a very difficult situation
SYN heroic :
gallant soldiers
She made a gallant attempt to hide her tears.
2.
( of a man ) giving polite attention to women
► gal·lant·ly adverb :
She gallantly battled on alone.
He bowed and gallantly kissed my hand.
■ noun
/ gəˈlænt; ˈgælənt/ ( old-fashioned ) a fashionable young man, especially one who gives polite attention to women
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (in the sense finely dressed ): from Old French galant , from galer have fun, make a show, from gale pleasure, rejoicing.