Galahad

American  

[gal-uh-had] / ˈgæl əˌhæd /

noun

1. Arthurian Legend. Sir Galahad, the noblest and purest knight of the Round Table, who gained possession of the Holy Grail: son of Lancelot and Elaine.

2. a man showing devotion to the highest ideals.

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Galahad British  

/ ˈɡæləˌhæd /

noun

1. (in Arthurian legend) the most virtuous knight of the Round Table, destined to regain the Holy Grail; son of Lancelot and Elaine

2. a pure or noble man

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Etymology

Origin of Galahad

First recorded in 1850–55 Galahad for def. 2; earlier Galaad, Galahaut, of disputed origin; perhaps from Welsh Gwalchaved, Gwalcheved, equivalent to gwalch “hawk” + haf “summer”; alternatively, perhaps ultimately from Gilead ( def. )

Example Sentences

The first part references Galahad, a knight known for his upright and noble character, reflecting the animal's upright posture.

From Science Daily • Mar. 21, 2026

Like Tennyson’s Sir Galahad, he has the strength of 10 because his heart is pure.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

Mike Hermanis, from Newport, who was also 19 when he was a Guardsman on the Sir Galahad, said the new testimony from Capt Green made for "shocking reading".

From BBC • May 14, 2023

Andy Jones, who was a Guardsman on the Sir Galahad, said he was "absolutely incredulous" that the Ministry of Defence had not released the documents.

From BBC • May 14, 2023

So you can understand bow Galahad may have seemed inhuman, and mannerless, and so on, to the people who were buzzing and clacking about him.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White