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

The newly declassified documents corroborate other declassified testimony from the captain of the Sir Galahad which revealed confusion, delays and missed opportunities to move troops to safety before the attack.

From BBC • May 14, 2023

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

“Percy was trying to join up with Galahad, according to instructions, and Galahad had ridden off, so the poor old fellow just went running after him shouting out, I say!’

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