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 ¹( def 1 ).

verb (used with object)

1. gantlet ¹( def 3 ).

gauntlet

¹

/ ˈɡɔːntlɪt /

noun

1. a medieval armoured leather glove
2. a heavy glove with a long cuff
3. take up the gauntlet
   to accept a challenge
4. throw down the gauntlet
   to offer a challenge

gauntlet

²

/ 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. run the gauntlet
   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

Other Words From

• gauntlet·ed adjective
• un·gauntlet·ed 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: from Old French gantelet, diminutive of gant glove, of Germanic origin

Origin of gauntlet²

C15: changed (through influence of gauntlet ¹) from earlier gantlope; see gantlet ¹

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. run the gauntlet, to suffer severe criticism or tribulation.
2. 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.
3. throw down the gauntlet / glove,
   1. to challenge.
   2. to defy.

More idioms and phrases containing gauntlet

see run the gauntlet ; throw down the gauntlet .

Example Sentences

"Oh, I bet you really laid down the gauntlet, Joe. I bet you walked in there and let him have it," Stewart joked.

From Salon

A talisman that is going to throw the gauntlet at the Springboks.

From BBC

Depth is always the key to surviving the gauntlet.

From Los Angeles Times

Patients spoke of pinballing from one neighborhood to another as the front line shifts, running a gauntlet of checkpoints defended by fighters who demand money, steal phones and sometimes open fire.

From New York Times

Movie stars, however, are still forced to run the promotional gauntlet, taking part in the endless junket interviews and red carpet appearances written into their contracts.

From BBC