gallant
UK[ˈɡælənt]US[ɡəˈlænt]
adj
brave, especially in a very difficult or dangerous situation
adj
(of a man) very polite and attentive to women, especially in a social context
adj
(archaic or literary) grand, fine, or impressive in appearance or style
Etymology
the word 'gallant' entered english in the late middle ages from the old french 'galant', the present participle of 'galer' meaning 'to make merry, to rejoice'. this french term itself is likely of germanic origin, possibly from a frankish source related to notions of entertainment and show. the semantic journey is one of social performance: from the idea of festive and courtly behavior, the meaning specialized in english to denote the chivalrous and brave conduct expected of a knight, and later to the specific social politeness of a man towards women. its evolution captures the shift from general celebratory demeanor to the refined and courageous ideals of aristocracy.
Analysis
the word is a simplex loanword; it cannot be meaningfully segmented into productive morphemes in modern english.
Examples
the firefighter made a gallant attempt to rescue the child from the burning building.
he was a gallant gentleman, always holding doors and offering his coat.
the ship, though old, was a gallant sight with all its sails unfurled.