Galahad
Americannoun
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Arthurian Legend. Sir Galahad, the noblest and purest knight of the Round Table, who gained possession of the Holy Grail: son of Lancelot and Elaine.
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a man showing devotion to the highest ideals.
noun
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(in Arthurian legend) the most virtuous knight of the Round Table, destined to regain the Holy Grail; son of Lancelot and Elaine
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a pure or noble man
Etymology
Origin of Galahad
First recorded in 1850–55 Galahad for def. 2; earlier Galaad, Galahaut, of disputed origin; perhaps from Welsh Gwalchaved, Gwalcheved, equivalent to gwalch “hawk” + haf “summer”; alternatively, perhaps ultimately from Gilead ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The first part references Galahad, a knight known for his upright and noble character, reflecting the animal's upright posture.
From Science Daily • Mar. 21, 2026
Like Tennyson’s Sir Galahad, he has the strength of 10 because his heart is pure.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026
The newly declassified documents corroborate other declassified testimony from the captain of the Sir Galahad which revealed confusion, delays and missed opportunities to move troops to safety before the attack.
From BBC • May 14, 2023
There was then a further delay because a loading ramp on the Sir Galahad malfunctioned.
From BBC • Mar. 14, 2023
Galahad, a priggish, mute little boy, was playing some private game with his dolls—to which he remained attached long after most boys would have taken to soldiers.
From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
