gallantry

[ gal-uhn-tree ]

noun

, plural gal·lant·ries.

1. dashing courage; heroic bravery; noble-minded behavior.

   Synonyms: heroism, valor, daring

   Antonyms: cowardice

2. gallant or courtly attention to women.

   Synonyms: courtliness, chivalry

3. a gallant act, action, or speech.

gallantry

/ ˈɡæləntrɪ /

noun

1. conspicuous courage, esp in war

   the gallantry of the troops

2. polite attentiveness to women
3. a gallant action, speech, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of gallantry¹

1600–10; < Middle French galanterie, equivalent to Old French galant ( gallant ) + -erie -ry

Example Sentences

They ennobled their race by their gallantry on that desperate occasion.

From The Daily Beast

Her grandfather was decorated for gallantry at Vimy Ridge and went on to found the Canadian armored corps.

From The Daily Beast

Felix is a good man, but his instincts toward decency— an act of gallantry on the Tube—eventually prove fatal for him.

From The Daily Beast

This gallantry surprised her ever so little, for a faint flush came into her cheek and the shadow of a smile into her eyes.

From Project Gutenberg

Gallantry is a weakness of the heart, or perhaps a constitutional defect; coquetry is an irregularity of the mind.

From Project Gutenberg

In the age wherein those poets lived, there was less of gallantry than in ours; neither did they keep the best company of theirs.

From Project Gutenberg

What with De Valmont's hollow gallantry and boasting of his own great deeds, he fell daily in the daughter's eyes.

From Project Gutenberg

Monsieur Guillot was indeed a man of gallantry, but he had the reputation of using these affairs to cloak his real purpose.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• boldness
• courage
• valor