Gallivant

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈɡæl.ɪ.vænt/
• US IPA: /ˈɡæl.ɪ.vænt/, /ˌɡæl.əˈvænt/
• Rhymes: -ænt

Alternative forms

• galavant

Origin

1809, from gallant ("wooing women"),

Online Etymology Dictionary

originally in sense “to flirt”, broadened to mean “roaming without plan”.

Full definition of gallivant

Verb

1. (intransitive) To roam about for pleasure without any definite plan.
• 2012, May 27, Nathan Rabin, TV: Review: THE SIMPSONS (CLASSIC): “New Kid On The Block” (season 4, episode 8; originally aired 11/12/1992), The episode also opens with an inspired bit of business for Homer, who blithely refuses to acquiesce to an elderly neighbor’s utterly reasonable request that he help make the process of selling her house easier by wearing pants when he gallivants about in front of windows, throw out his impressive collection of rotting Jack-O-Lanterns from previous Halloweens and take out his garbage, as it’s attracting wildlife (cue moose and Northern Exposure theme song).
2. 1914 Bertram, it is true, when he heard of the plan, rebelled, and asserted that what Billy needed was a rest, an entire rest from care and labor. In fact, what he wanted her to do, he said, was to gallivant – to gallivant all day long. – Eleanor H.Porter Miss Billy – Married, Chapter 18.
3. (intransitive, obsolete) To flirt, to romance.

Synonyms

• (roam without plan) gad