galliard
Americannoun
noun
-
a spirited dance in triple time for two persons, popular in the 16th and 17th centuries
-
a piece of music composed for this dance
adjective
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A fantasia and a pavan and galliard by William Byrd were riveting.
From Washington Post ● Jan. 15, 2017
Go to, play a galliard vpon the violl.
From Schools, School-Books and Schoolmasters by Hazlitt, W. Carew
"Ay, but only two can keep counsel," said Morton; "the galliard must be disposed of."
From The Abbot by Scott, Walter, Sir
I had a daughter once, a match fit for the bravest galliard that sun e'er shown upon.
From Traditions of Lancashire, Volume 2 by Roby, John
Marry, before they met, he had other very pretty sufficiencies, which yet he retains some light impression of; as frequenting a dancing-school, and grievously torturing strangers with inquisition after his grace in his galliard.
From Character Writings of the 17th Century by Various
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.