galliard

American  

[gal-yerd] / ˈgæl jərd /

Or gaillard

noun

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

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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

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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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

galliard

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

From Washington Post ● Jan. 15, 2017

Also of the Preist who bringing our Saviour in the Sacrament to a young galliard very sick, sayd, behold, Sir, Christ is come to visit you.

From Publications of the Scottish History Society, Volume 36 Journals of Sir John Lauder Lord Fountainhall with His Observations on Public Affairs and Other Memoranda 1665-1676 by Lord John Lauder Fountainhall

I sought at eve the castle on the height,  The ancient halls of lordly Ravenslee, Oh! contrast great! gay scene of youth's delight—   The spinette, galliard, mirth's galaverie!

From Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland, Volume XXIV. by Alexander Leighton

The English ever loved her best, and the quick-paced galliard took their fancy, too.

From Master Skylark by John Bennett

It seems the sort of thing a poet so habited might be expected to say between a galliard and a coranto.

From Gossip in a Library by Edmund Gosse

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