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

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