gallantry

[gal-uhn-tree]

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noun, plural gal·lant·ries.

dashing courage; heroic bravery; noble-minded behavior.
gallant or courtly attention to women.
a gallant act, action, or speech.

Origin of gallantry

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

Synonyms for gallantry

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1. daring, valor, heroism. 2. chivalry, courtliness.

Antonyms for gallantry

1. cowardice.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for gallantry

courage, boldness, valor, duty, nerve, intrepidity, derring-do, prowess, urbanity, daring, elegance, spirit, fearlessness, savoir-faire, tact, attentiveness, pluck, poise, deference, courtesy

Examples from the Web for gallantry

Contemporary Examples of gallantry

They ennobled their race by their gallantry on that desperate occasion.
Meet the Original 'Fighting Irish’
Jacob Siegel
March 17, 2014
Her grandfather was decorated for gallantry at Vimy Ridge and went on to found the Canadian armored corps.
Accidents Happen to Gun People Too
David Frum
January 17, 2013
Felix is a good man, but his instincts toward decency— an act of gallantry on the Tube—eventually prove fatal for him.
‘NW’ by Zadie Smith: Review
Lauren Elkin
September 2, 2012

Historical Examples of gallantry

"But you know language is conventional, especially in gallantry," said Russell.
Tales And Novels, Volume 5 (of 10)
Maria Edgeworth
He is a man of wit and gallantry—I am unpractised in the ways of the world.
Tales And Novels, Volume 3 (of 10)
Maria Edgeworth
"It is enough if I've been useful," he rose in gallantry to the emergency.
The Black Bag
Louis Joseph Vance
The stranger, however, picking up her cap with an air of gallantry, interposed.
Little Dorrit
Charles Dickens
Jarrett introduced Knoedler, who had suggested this piece of gallantry.
My Double Life
Sarah Bernhardt

British Dictionary definitions for gallantry

gallantry

noun plural -ries

conspicuous courage, esp in warthe gallantry of the troops
polite attentiveness to women
a gallant action, speech, etc

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for gallantry

1590s, "fine appearance," from French galanterie (16c.), from Old French galant (see gallant). Meaning "gallant behavior" is from 1630s. Middle English had gallantness "merriment, gaiety, high living" (late 15c.).