Gallant

adjective

Bold or courageous
Chivalrous or deferential toward women

noun

A man who courts or seeks the affection of women
A young man who displays sartorial or fashionable taste

Usage

There are few traits quite as remarkable as bravery, because it is the sort of trait that can manifest in anyone under the right circumstances. When faced with the right challenge and when occupying the right frame of mind, anyone can summon the courage to forge ahead. Perhaps it is because of how awe-inspiring it is to behold someone seized by the zeal to overcome their fears that some of our greatest stories relate gallant heroes confronting matters of life and death.

Gallant is an adjective which characterizes someone as courageous or daring. Often, gallant is used to describe those who are not only brave but noble in their manner or bearing, but one can be gallant however their courage manifests itself. No matter what the setting, the stakes, or the challenge at hand, if one confronts it boldly in spite of one's fears or doubts, one can be said to be gallant. The word can also describe one who is chivalrous or particularly respectful in their treatment of women. One need not have any romantic intentions or involvements toward a woman to be gallant in this sense, but since the gentlemanly code in many cultures dictates such chivalry be observed as part of courtship, they often go hand-in-hand.

The word gallant can also be used as a noun to mean a young man who seeks to win the affection of one or more women. A gallant in this sense refers to the men who make a practice of trying to woo women, whether to pursue romance, to enjoy the thrill of flirtation, or anything in between. In more modern parlance, we might describe a gallant as a ladies' man, but the former may seek to court women less ardently than the latter. Finally, gallant can signify a man who attires himself stylishly, or generally takes great care in his appearance. Unlike its near synonyms "dandy" and "fop," it does not carry a pejorative connotation, but merely denotes a man's sartorial taste. As dressing well contributes to one's attractiveness, which is indispensable in courting a potential mate, it is little wonder that a gallant can refer both to a suitor or to a fashionable gentleman.

Example: His choice to undergo surgery with only local anesthesia instead of being put under was a gallant one.

Example: His recognition as valedictorian proved he was gallant enough to take the most challenging courses the school offered, and prevailed even so.

Example: Though many have discontinued the practice, he was gallant enough to offer to pay for his date's meal (though she declined).

Example: The gallant took great care of his hair, so as not to be caught looking frumpy in front of a potential girlfriend at any point.

Example: He was quite the gallant, wearing designer clothes practically everywhere he went.

Origin

The first modern use of the word gallant was in the mid- to late-1300s with the Middle English gala, which derived from the Old French galant. The latter served as the present participle of galer, meaning "to make merry, to amuse oneself." This in turn takes its root from the Frankish word wala, meaning "good" or "happy."

Derivative Words

Gallantly: Gallantly is the adverb form of the root word, and indicates that an action was carried out in a brave or chivalrous fashion.

Example: She gallantly volunteered to give the first presentation in class instead of waiting for the teacher to pick.

Gallantry: This noun form of gallant illustrates a state or example of courage or deferential behavior in something (usually an action) or someone.

Example: The solo he played confidently not only showed his artistry, but his gallantry in playing for a sold-out crowd.

Gallantness: This additional noun form means much the same as gallantry, but more often implies a bold or respectful character in a person than the dauntless or noble quality of some act. Thus, while gallantry pertains more to deeds, gallantness has more to do with people, though both can be used in either of these instances.

Example: Her refusal to return the ad hominem attacks of her opponent proved her gallantness and poise in the debate.

In Literature

From George R. R. Martin's A Clash of Kings:

In the songs all knights are gallant, all maids are beautiful, and the sun is always shining.

In this pithy remark, Martin notes that in all the ballads glorifying the heroes of old, the mythic warriors are always depicted as being courageous, or gallant, and subtly implies that the odes to these warriors do not tell the whole story.

Mnemonic

A knight who is gallant will gallop bravely into battle.
One who is gallant has the gall to face great challenges.