gauntlet

¹

[gawnt-lit, gahnt-]

noun

1. a medieval glove, as of mail or plate, worn by a knight in armor to protect the hand.

2. a glove with an extended cuff for the wrist.

3. the cuff itself.

gauntlet

²

[gawnt-lit, gahnt-]

noun

1. a former punishment, chiefly military, in which the offender was made to run between two rows of men who struck at him with switches or weapons as he passed.

2. the two rows of men administering this punishment.

3. an attack from two or all sides.

4. trying conditions; an ordeal.

5. gantlet.

verb (used with object)

1. gantlet.

gauntlet

¹

/ ˈɡɔːntlɪt /

noun

1. a punishment in which the victim is forced to run between two rows of men who strike at him as he passes: formerly a military punishment

2. 1. to suffer this punishment

   2. to endure an onslaught or ordeal, as of criticism

3. a testing ordeal; trial

4. a variant spelling of gantlet 1

gauntlet

²

/ ˈɡɔːntlɪt /

noun

1. a medieval armoured leather glove

2. a heavy glove with a long cuff

3. to accept a challenge

4. to offer a challenge

Other Word Forms

• gauntleted adjective
• ungauntleted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gauntlet¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English gauntelet, gauntlet, from Old French gantelet, diminutive of gant “glove,” from Germanic want- (unrecorded); compare Old Norse vǫttr

Origin of gauntlet²

First recorded in 1670–80; alteration of gantlope

Word History and Origins

Origin of gauntlet¹

C15: changed (through influence of _gauntlet ¹ ) from earlier gantlope; see _gantlet ¹

Origin of gauntlet²

C15: from Old French gantelet, diminutive of gant glove, of Germanic origin

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. take up the gauntlet / glove,

   1. to accept a challenge to fight.

      He was always willing to take up the gauntlet for a good cause.

   2. to show one's defiance.

2. throw down the gauntlet / glove,

   1. to challenge.

   2. to defy.

3. run the gauntlet, to suffer severe criticism or tribulation.

see run the gauntlet; throw down the gauntlet.

Example Sentences

The mounting pressure of work, remodeling, filming and parenting — while facing the gauntlet of the foster care system and the boys’ increasingly likely departure — was taking a toll, for sure.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The MLB postseason, which begins on Tuesday, is often described as a “crapshoot”—a zany, monthlong gauntlet where chaos reigns supreme and the best team in the regular season rarely wins.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

If the Yankees lose Wednesday, and again fall short of a championship, there will be more questions about why Judge has been unable to overcome the gauntlet of October.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Russian drone operators have turned daily life in Kherson into a terrifying gauntlet.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Cooper runs the full acting gauntlet - veering from vulnerable to furious, cocky to distraught.

Read more on BBC