gauntlet

¹gaunt·let

noun \ˈgȯnt-lət, ˈgänt-\

Definition of GAUNTLET

1

: a glove worn with medieval armor to protect the hand

2

: any of various protective gloves used especially in industry

3

: an open challenge (as to combat) —used in phrases like throw down the gauntlet

4

: a dress glove extending above the wrist

— gaunt·let·ed \-lə-təd\ adjective

Variants of GAUNTLET

gaunt·let also gant·let \ˈgȯnt-lət, ˈgänt-\

Origin of GAUNTLET

Middle English, from Middle French gantelet, diminutive of gant glove, from Old French, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle Dutch want glove, Old Norse vǫttr

First Known Use: 15th century

Other Military Terms

bivouac, logistics, petard, salient, sally, supernumerary, tactical