Great courage or bravery, especially in battle or dangerous situations.
From Old French 'valur' and Latin 'valere' meaning 'to be strong or worthy.' Related to 'value' and 'valid.' The British spelling is 'valour' while American English uses 'valor.' The root meaning shifted from 'strength' to 'moral courage.'
In medieval times, 'valour' was literally about how much land and possessions you were 'worth'—it comes from the same root as 'value.' Over centuries, it shifted to mean moral worth through brave acts. That's why we give medals for valour—they're literally proving you have worth through courage.
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