Gallantry
['gæləntrɪ] or ['ɡæləntri]
Definition
(n.) Splendor of appearance; ostentatious finery.
(n.) Bravery; intrepidity; as, the troops behaved with great gallantry.
(n.) Civility or polite attention to ladies; in a bad sense, attention or courtesy designed to win criminal favors from a female; freedom of principle or practice with respect to female virtue; intrigue.
(n.) Gallant persons, collectively.
Inputed by Agnes
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. [1]. Bravery, courage, valor, intrepidity, prowess, heroism, boldness, fearlessness, chivalry, contempt of danger.[2]. Courtesy, politeness, polite attention (to ladies).
Editor: Stanton
Unserious Contents or Definition
This word is now almost obsolete. It was formerly employed to express a deferential attention on the part of the man who in a crowded car gave up his seat to the ladies.
Edited by Helen
Examples
- She was not the better pleased with his gallantry from the idea it suggested of something more. Jane Austen. Pride and Prejudice.
- Only think of his gallantry in coming away before the other men! Jane Austen. Emma.
- And bowed, with gallantry. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- His gallantry to my Lady, which has never changed since he courted her, is the one little touch of romantic fancy in him. Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
- The stranger, however, picking up her cap with an air of gallantry, interposed. Charles Dickens. Little Dorrit.
- Their gallantry is great, but they carry troublesome people through the streets in an ignominious manner, strapped down on a board, my good wench. Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
- And then changing his tone again to one of gentle gallantry, and addressing Fanny, he said, You were Mr. Rushworth's best friend. Jane Austen. Mansfield Park.
- But wooman, lovely wooman, said Mr. Turveydrop with very disagreeable gallantry, what a sex you are! Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
- When he heard the good news he promoted all the officers of any considerable rank for their conspicuous gallantry. Ulysses S. Grant. Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant.
- She held out her hand; he kissed it with affectionate gallantry, though he hardly knew how to look, and they entered the house. Jane Austen. Pride and Prejudice.
- My dear Sir,' said the good-humoured little doctor advancing with extended hand, 'I honour your gallantry. Charles Dickens. The Pickwick Papers.
- The commonest gallantry compelled him to stand by his offer, and so he paid the franc and took the kiss. Mark Twain. The Innocents Abroad.
- He was made a joke of; his gallantry, his chivalry, were the subject of a jest for a petticoat--for two petticoats: Miss Helstone too was smiling. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- I accept her congratulations with gallantry and politeness. Charles Dickens. Little Dorrit.
- He has the tenderest spirit of gallantry towards us all! Jane Austen. Emma.
- Politeness and little gallantries are inseparable from my character. Charles Dickens. Little Dorrit.
- I could not but see that Mr. Crawford allowed himself in gallantries which did mean nothing. Jane Austen. Mansfield Park.
Typed by Helga