galliard

or gail·lard

[ gal-yerd ]

noun

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

galliard

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of galliard¹

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); -ard

Word History and Origins

Origin of galliard¹

C14: from Old French gaillard valiant, perhaps of Celtic origin

Example Sentences

O de brave, de galliard devise: me sal come by de nite and contrefaire de Anglois gentlehommes—dites-nous ainsi, Monsieur Pisaro?

From Project Gutenberg

For how knew I what name you might be dancing your latest galliard in?

From Project Gutenberg

The queen was delighted with the little dwarf, and made him dance a galliard on her left hand.

From Project Gutenberg

He called it, what his temper gave no hint of (so dry with fever he was), the galliard hold.

From Project Gutenberg

This dance was livelier exercise than La Galliard, and Mary could not talk much for lack of breath.

From Project Gutenberg