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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

galliard

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

From Washington Post ● Jan. 15, 2017

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 Leighton, Alexander

With these words the galliard little curate mounted his donkey, thumped his ribs with the butt end of his gun, and trotted off to the hills.

From The Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus (Volume II) by Irving, Washington

Vladimir Lenski was his name, From Gottingen inspired he came, A worshipper of Kant, a bard, A young and handsome galliard.

From Eugene Oneguine [Onegin] A Romance of Russian Life in Verse by Spalding, Henry

Nor did he produce me from his brain, as Jupiter that sour and ill-looked Pallas; but of that lovely nymph called Youth, the most beautiful and galliard of all the rest.

From The Praise of Folly by Wilson, John