gallant

Gallant is an adjective in English that describes brave, noble, or chivalrous conduct. It can refer to acts of courage or to a demeanor that is courteous, gracious, and stylish. In older or literary contexts, gallant often connotes a knightly ideal or a gentlemanly bearing.

As a noun, gallant can denote a man who is attentive and courteous toward women, sometimes understood as a dashing suitor. The related noun gallantry refers to courteous behavior, particularly toward women, and to brave or honorable conduct.

Etymologically, gallant derives from Old French galant, meaning courteous or elegant, with a broader sense of nobility and romance that carried into English usage. Historically, the term is tied to chivalry and courtship, describing figures who combined bravery with politeness and generosity.

In music and cultural history, the term galant (often anglicized as gallant) describes a stylistic trend of the early to mid-18th century. The galant style emphasized simple, song-like melodies, clear harmonic structure, and graceful elegance, marking a shift from the complexity of late Baroque toward what would become the Classical aesthetic.

Today, gallant remains a literary and formal descriptor rather than a common everyday term. It is frequently used in phrases such as gallant action, gallant gesture, or gallant conduct to denote noble or inspiring behavior, though it can also carry a slightly archaic or romantic nuance in contemporary prose. Related concepts include gallantry and chivalry.