\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}.