noun
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conspicuous courage, esp in war
the gallantry of the troops
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polite attentiveness to women
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a gallant action, speech, etc
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of gallantry
1600–10; < Middle French galanterie, equivalent to Old French galant ( see gallant) + -erie -ry
Explanation
Gallantry is an old-fashioned word for brave behavior in a man, especially on the battlefield. Another meaning for gallantry is an extreme form of courtesy and respect towards women, often referred to as chivalry, and the two words are used interchangeably. The most famous examples of gallantry and chivalry can be found in the stories of the mythical King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, who were always fighting other knights for the favor of a fair princess's hand.
Vocabulary lists containing gallantry
Talk Like Shakespeare Day, List 1
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"The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak, Part Four
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A Streetcar Named Desire
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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.
Gallantry is being the victor and refusing to humiliate.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 1, 2026
He has received other military decorations over the years, including: the Distinguished Military Service Award, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, the Bronze Star Medal and the Silver Star Award.
From Washington Times • Sep. 5, 2023
Schulz, who was awarded the Commendation for Gallantry for his service in Afghanistan, is the first former or serving Australian Defense Force member to face a war crime charge of murder under domestic law.
From Seattle Times • Mar. 27, 2023
A porter at the hall, Lucasz Koczocik, also received a Queen's Gallantry Medal for forcing Khan out of the venue, using an ornamental spear, despite him having sustained serious injuries from three stab wounds.
From BBC • Mar. 17, 2023
Gallantry to impress the OAS is what Minerva guesses.
From "In the Time of the Butterflies" by Julia Alvarez
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.
