What does ungallant mean?
Ungallant means lacking gallantry: cowardly, unheroic, or contrary to the courteous and honorable conduct associated with chivalry. Although the word can describe a person, it often appears in formal judgments about conduct or behaviour, especially in historical and literary contexts. “Ungallant conduct,” for example, suggests not only physical cowardice but a breach of courtesy, loyalty, or honor. The expression is now chiefly literary or archaic, so it usually gives a passage a historical, elevated, or deliberately critical tone. Today, speakers would often use cowardly, unchivalrous, or dishonourable instead, depending on the particular failing intended. Ungallant remains memorable because it preserves an older social ideal of gallantry: the idea that courage should be joined with courtesy, respect, and honorable treatment of others.
adjectiveLacking gallantry; cowardly or unchivalrous. The word is now chiefly literary or archaic.
- Lacking gallantry or chivalrous courage; cowardly or unheroic.
"His abandonment of the village left him forever branded as an ungallant knight."
"The knight was accused of ungallant conduct after abandoning his companions."
"By treating the captured envoy so coldly, he proved himself ungallant in the eyes of the court."
Ungallant preserves the medieval idea of courtly virtue: a person is not merely unkind, but unworthy of the honor expected of a true knight.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ungallant come from?
Ungallant was formed in English by adding the negative prefix un- to gallant. Gallant entered Middle English from Old French galant, a word ultimately associated with Latin gallus, originally meaning “rooster” and developing senses connected with boldness and valor. The prefixed form expresses the opposite of the idealized bravery and courtesy denoted by gallant.
How ungallant is actually used
Chiefly literary, historical, or archaic. It is strongly pejorative and is often used of conduct, behaviour, or a person's failure to display courage and courtesy.
Easily confused with ungallant
Gallant means brave, noble, or chivalrous, whereas ungallant means lacking those qualities.