— gallantly , adv. — gallantness , n.
adj. /gal"euhnt/ for 1, 3, 4; /geuh lant", -lahnt", gal"euhnt/ for 2, 5; n. /geuh lant", -lahnt", gal"euhnt/ ; v. /geuh lant", -lahnt"/ , adj.
1. brave, spirited, noble-minded, or chivalrous: a gallant knight; a gallant rescue attempt.
2. exceptionally polite and attentive to women; courtly.
3. stately; grand: a gallant pageant.
4. showy, colorful, or stylish, as in dress; magnificent.
5. amorous; amatory.
n.
6. a brave, noble-minded, or chivalrous man.
7. a man exceptionally attentive to women.
8. a stylish and dashing man.
9. a suitor or lover.
10. a paramour.
v.t.
11. to court or act as a lover of (a woman).
12. to escort (a woman).
v.i.
13. to attend or pay court as a gallant.
[ 1350-1400; ME gala ( u ) nt galant, prp. of galer to amuse oneself, make merry walare, deriv. of Frankish * wala good, happy; see WELL 1 , WEAL 1 ]
Syn. 1. valorous, courageous, heroic, bold, daring, intrepid. See brave. 2. chivalrous, courteous.