galliard

American  

[gal-yerd] / ˈgæl yərd /

Or gaillard

noun

1. a spirited dance for two dancers in triple rhythm, common in the 16th and 17th centuries.

---

galliard British  

/ ˈɡæljəd /

noun

1. a spirited dance in triple time for two persons, popular in the 16th and 17th centuries

2. a piece of music composed for this dance

---

adjective

1. archaic lively; spirited

Etymology

Origin of galliard

1525–35; < Middle French gaillard, noun use of adj.: lively, vigorous (> Middle English gaillard, late Middle English galyarde ), probably < Gallo-Romance *galia < Celtic (compare MIr gal warlike ardor, valor); see -ard

Example Sentences

A fantasia and a pavan and galliard by William Byrd were riveting.

From Washington Post • Jan. 15, 2017

On the broad terrace in front some of them are dancing a galliard.

From Collected Poems Volume Two by Noyes, Alfred

He remarks on the 'excellent constitution' of Sir Andrew's leg, 'it was formed under the star of a galliard.'

From Shakespeare and Music With Illustrations from the Music of the 16th and 17th centuries by Naylor, Edward W. (Edward Woodall)

Art thou in case to bear thyself like a galliard?

From The Fair Maid of Perth Or, St. Valentine's Day by Scott, Walter, Sir

It was too much for the galliard merchant, and he swooned.

From Devil-Worship in France or The Question of Lucifer by Waite, Arthur Edward