Emily Dickinson Lexicon

GAL'LANT, a. [Fr. galant; Sp. galante; It. id. This word is from the root of the W. gallu, to be able, to have power; Eng. could; L. gallus, a cock. See Could, Call, and Gala. The primary sense is to stretch, strain or reach forward.]

1. Gay; well dressed; showy; splendid; magnificent. Neither shall gallant ships pass thereby. – Is. xxxiii. The gay, the wise, the gallant, and the grave. – Waller. [This sense is obsolete.]
2. Brave; high-spirited; courageous; heroic; magnanimous; as, a gallant youth; a gallant officer.
3. Fine; noble. Shak.
4. Courtly; civil; polite and attentive to ladies; courteous. – Clarendon.