Word Origin & History
valiant
1303, from Anglo-Fr. and O.Fr. valliant "stalwart, brave," from prp. of valoir "be worthy," originally "be strong," from L. valere "be strong, be well, be worth, have power, be able," from PIE base *wal- "be strong" (cf. O.E. wealdan "to rule," O.H.G. -walt, -wald "power" (in personal names), O.N. valdr "ruler," O.C.S. vlasti "to rule over," Lith. valdyti "to have power," Celt. *walos- "ruler," O.Ir. flaith "dominion," Welsh gallu "to be able").