gallantry

noun

gal·​lant·​ry ˈga-lən-trē 

plural gallantries

1

archaic : gallant appearance

2

a

: an act of marked courtesy

b

: courteous attention to a lady

c

: amorous attention or pursuit

3

: spirited and conspicuous bravery

Synonyms

• bottle [British slang]
• bravery
• courage
• courageousness
• daring
• daringness
• dauntlessness
• doughtiness
• fearlessness
• greatheartedness
• guts
• gutsiness
• hardihood
• heart
• heroism
• intestinal fortitude
• intrepidity
• intrepidness
• moxie
• nerve
• pecker [chiefly British]
• prowess
• stoutness
• valor
• virtue

Examples of gallantry in a Sentence

Many women were charmed by his old-fashioned gallantry.

commended the rescuers for their gallantry

Recent Examples on the Web

Bob earned the Silver Star for gallantry in action when Japanese kamikaze bombers struck his ship, USS Franklin. —Karen Scanlon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Feb. 2024

For the next 40 years, not one of the seven Medal of Honor candidates cited for their gallantry in Cambodia or Laos received it. —Barry Barnett, Hartford Courant, 26 May 2024

Superheroes have long been depicted wearing capes, which symbolize gallantry and underscore the fanciful nature of the superhero genre. —Greg Hanlon, Peoplemag, 25 Apr. 2024

These anecdotes revealed Daniel as someone who respected his elders and displayed gallantry — values Betker strived to impart to his son. —Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 28 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French galanterie, from galant gallant entry 1 + -erie -ery

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

gallantry

noun

gal·​lant·​ry ˈgal-ən-trē 

plural gallantries

1

a

: an act of notable courtesy

b

: courteous attention to a woman

2

: notable bravery