gallantry Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the qualities of a hero or heroine; exceptional or heroic courage when facing danger (especially in battle)
    valiancy; valorousness; valour; heroism; valor; valiance.
    • he showed great heroism in battle
    • he received a medal for valor
  2. noun courtesy towards women
    politesse; chivalry.
  3. noun polite attentiveness to women

WordNet


Gal"lant*ry noun
Etymology
F. galanterie.
Wordforms
plural Gallantries
Definitions
  1. Splendor of appearance; ostentatious finery. Archaic
    Guess the gallantry of our church by this . . . when the desk whereon the priest read was inlaid with plates of silver. Fuller.
  2. Bravery; intrepidity; as, the troops behaved with great gallantry.
  3. Civility or polite attention to ladies; in a bed sense, attention or courtesy designed to win criminal favors from a female; freedom of principle or practice with respect to female virtue; intrigue.
  4. Gallant persons, collectively. R.
    Helenus, Antenor, and all the gallantry of Troy. Shak.
    Syn. -- See Courage, and Heroism.

Webster 1913