gallantry

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   courage.

   1926, P. G. Wodehouse, 'Lord Emsworth and the Girl Friend', Penguin, Harmondsworth: 1992, p 98. 'I have the greatest respect for the young lady to whom you refer. She behaved on a certain recent occasion - on two recent occasions - with notable gallantry and resource, and I won't have her bally-ragged.'.

2. 2
   noun

   chivalrous courtliness, especially towards women.

   Of the three things that startle us in the feasts of nobles, there is not one here; no swords, no duels, no tables reeking blood. No faithless gallantries here bring dishonour on some intimate friend.

3. 3
   noun

   polite attentiveness to women

4. 4
   noun

   the qualities of a hero or heroine

From French galanterie, equivalent to gallant + -ry.

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