Valiant \Val"iant\, a. [OE. valiant, F. vaillant, OF. vaillant, valant, originally p. pr. of OF. & F. valoir to be worth, L. valere to be strong. See Wield, and cf. Avail, Convalesce, Equivalent, Prevail, Valid.]

1. Vigorous in body; strong; powerful; as, a valiant fencer. [Obs.]

--Walton.

2. Intrepid in danger; courageous; brave.

A valiant and most expert gentleman. --Shak.

And Saul said to David . . . be thou valiant for me, and fight the Lord's battles. --1 Sam. xviii. 17.

3. Performed with valor or bravery; heroic. ``Thou bearest the highest name for valiant acts.'' --Milton.

[The saints] have made such valiant confessions. --J. H. Newman. -- Val"iant*ly, adv. -- Val"iant*ness, n.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)