What does gallantry mean?
Gallantry is a noun describing two related qualities: conspicuous bravery in the face of danger, and courteous, chivalrous behavior — historically, the attentive politeness expected of a gentleman toward women. The word derives from the Old French 'galant', meaning courtly or polished, and entered English in the sixteenth century carrying connotations of elegance and refined manners before acquiring its martial sense. Today, the bravery sense predominates in official language: military forces and civilian institutions award decorations 'for gallantry', honoring individuals who risk their lives for others. The courtesy sense, meanwhile, has a distinctly old-fashioned flavor, evoking the manners of earlier eras, though it survives in phrases like 'an act of gallantry'. Because it combines heroism and refinement in a single term, gallantry remains a rich word for writers: it suggests not just courage, but courage exercised with grace, honor, and consideration for others.
nounCourteous behavior, especially that of a man towards women; also, an act of marked bravery or chivalrous courage.
- Great bravery, especially in battle or in the face of danger; heroic courage.
- Courteous behavior, especially by a man towards women; polite attentiveness with a romantic or chivalrous flavor.
"He helped the elderly woman carry her groceries — a small act of gallantry that did not go unnoticed."
"The pilot was commended for his gallantry after landing the damaged aircraft without loss of life."
"In another age, such gallantry — opening doors, offering one's coat — might have been taken for granted."
Rare; used mainly to refer to multiple individual acts of courtesy or bravery, often in literary contexts.
"The novel recounts his many small gallantries towards the widows of the village."
Britain still awards medals 'For Gallantry' to civilians as well as soldiers — you don't need a uniform to be officially recognized as gallant.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of gallantry
Gallantry comes from the Old French 'galant', a form derived from the verb 'galanter', meaning to make merry or to pay amorous attention, which itself traces back through Vulgar Latin '*wala-', a Germanic root meaning 'well' or related to strength. The word entered English in the sixteenth century, initially signifying fine appearance, showiness, or courtly manners, and later developed its senses of amorous courtesy and heroic bravery. Its cousins include 'gallant' and 'gallantly', all from the same French source.
Related word forms
How gallantry is actually used
The word carries a formal, somewhat old-fashioned register. In modern usage, the 'bravery' sense dominates official contexts (military and civilian honors), while the 'courtesy towards women' sense survives mainly in literary or nostalgic contexts. The plural 'gallantries' is rare but attested when referring to individual acts of courtesy.
Easily confused with gallantry
'Gallant' is the adjective (or a noun meaning a dashing man), while 'gallantry' is the noun denoting the quality or behavior itself.
'Valour' refers to boldness or bravery in general, especially in battle, whereas 'gallantry' can additionally denote courteous, chivalrous behavior towards women.