D. The small band of Englishmen showed great pluck against the French.
Explanation:
As given in the question, the word "pluck" is interpreted as a noun, signifying the courage to do something despite the odds. This means that the noun "pluck" will be used to suggest a brave and confident act.
Now, considering the way "pluck" is defined in the question, we can eliminate the sentences that use it in the verb sense/ form. This results in the elimination of sentences A, B, and C, leaving just sentence D.
And in sentence D, the word "pluck" shows the determination and courage of the Englishmen against the French despite their lesser number.
Thus, the correct answer is option D.