galant

British  

/ ɡəˈlɑːnt /

noun

1. an 18th-century style of music characterized by homophony and elaborate ornamentation

---

Etymology

Origin of galant

C17: from Old French galant, from galer to make merry, from gale enjoyment, pleasure

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

galant

Otto Klemperer and the Philharmonia probably make these galant symphonies sound weightier than Mozart intended, but theirs is an impeccable performance: every strand of melody is spun out and polished to a high luster.

From Time Magazine Archive

The Court of St. Petersburg became almost as brilliant, as galant, and as frivolous as the Court of Versailles.

From Russia by Wallace, Donald Mackenzie, Sir

One of the text-books employed appears to have been that of Türk, who makes use of the term "galant" to designate the free as opposed to the strict style of composition.

From Beethoven: A Memoir (2nd Ed.) by Graeme, Elliott

But the appeal addressed to the French brigadier, "un galant homme," of an invalid lady, too ill to be disturbed, was effectual, especially when backed by two five-franc pieces.

From The Passenger from Calais by Griffiths, Arthur

One must be very galant to les dames.

From Minna Von Barnhelm by Lessing, Gotthold Ephraim