Thursday, December 07, 2006

Words: gallant [MW]

Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English galaunt, from Middle French galant, from present participle of galer to have a good time, from Old French, from gale pleasure, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English wela weal -- more at WEAL
1 : showy in dress or bearing : SMART
2 a : SPLENDID, STATELY "a gallant ship" b : SPIRITED, BRAVE "gallant efforts against the enemy" c : nobly chivalrous and often self-sacrificing
3 : courteously and elaborately attentive especially to ladies

(Gallant is also probably related to Old English gleow, glee.)

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