gauntlet

²gauntlet

noun

Definition of GAUNTLET

1

a : a double file of men facing each other and armed with clubs or other weapons with which to strike at an individual who is made to run between them —used with run b : a line, series, or assemblage; especially : one that poses some sort of ordeal <a gauntlet of autograph-seekers>

2

: a severe trial : ordeal <ran the gauntlet of criticism and censure>

Variants of GAUNTLET

gauntlet also gantlet

Origin of GAUNTLET

by folk etymology from gantelope

First Known Use: 1645