Plural of gallant; men who display chivalry and courtesy, especially in courtship; fashionable gentlemen.
From gallant (noun form), from Old French galant. Originally referred to fashionable courtiers and gentlemen, then expanded to mean any man displaying romantic courtesy.
In Shakespeare's time, 'gallants' were the celebrities of the era—young, fashionable men who'd strut through theaters like today's influencers, following all the latest courtly manners and styles!
Historically refers to fashionable men courting women (17th-19th centuries). Embedded in this term is the assumption that romantic/courtly initiative was male; women were pursued, not agents of gallantry.
Specify the behavior (courting, flirting, etc.) rather than using 'gallants' as a gendered noun.
["courtiers","suitors","people courting"]
Women's active role in courtship, seduction, and romantic strategy was historically minimized. Many women wielded courtship as strategic power while the language credited men with 'gallantry.'
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