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Where does the word "gallant" come from? It comes from Frankish wala, passing through Old French before entering English (1400s).
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Where does the word "gallant" come from? It comes from Frankish wala, passing through Old French before entering English (1400s).
Gallant’s story begins in Frankish: wala meant “good, well.” Possibly a Frankish word related to English 'well'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as galer. Its participle 'galant' meant lively, showy. It reached English by 1400s as gallant. Courteous attention to women dates from the 1600s. Today, gallant means brave; charmingly attentive.
- Stage 1 · Frankish · ancient wala "good, well", possibly a Frankish word related to English 'well'.
- Stage 2 · Old French · medieval galer "to rejoice, make merry", its participle 'galant' meant lively, showy.
- Stage 3 · English · 1400s gallant "showy; brave", courteous attention to women dates from the 1600s.