gallantry

[ gal-uhn-tree ]

noun

, plural gal·lant·ries.

1. dashing courage; heroic bravery; noble-minded behavior.

   Synonyms: heroism, valor, daring

   Antonyms: cowardice

2. gallant or courtly attention to women.

   Synonyms: courtliness, chivalry

3. a gallant act, action, or speech.

gallantry

/ ˈɡæləntrɪ /

noun

1. conspicuous courage, esp in war

   the gallantry of the troops

2. polite attentiveness to women
3. a gallant action, speech, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of gallantry¹

1600–10; < Middle French galanterie, equivalent to Old French galant ( gallant ) + -erie -ry

Example Sentences

For his actions in fierce fighting over several days in September 2006 he was awarded the Military Cross - the third-highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy.

From BBC

One German soldier called the day’s battle “an amazing spectacle of unexampled gallantry, courage and bull-dog determination on both sides.”

From Literature

Sir Frank was a highly-decorated officer who won the Military Cross twice for his service in Kenya and Malaya and was awarded a CBE for gallantry during his time in Northern Ireland.

From BBC

Corporal Sidney Bates posthumously received Britain's Victoria Cross for "supreme gallantry" after repeatedly charging a critical German position with a light machine gun before dying of his wounds.

From Reuters

In France she met and married another exile, Bronislav Sossinsky, who had won the highest medal for gallantry in the White Army that fought against the Bolsheviks in Russia's Civil war.

From Reuters

Related Words

• boldness
• courage
• valor