gauntlet

noun (1)

gaunt·let | \ ˈgȯnt-lət

How to pronounce gauntlet (audio)

, ˈgänt-\

variants: or less commonly gantlet

Definition of gauntlet

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

gauntlet

noun (2)

variants: or less commonly gantlet

Definition of gauntlet (Entry 2 of 2)

1a : 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

History and Etymology for gauntlet

Noun (1)

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

Noun (2)

altered from gantelope, apparently by assimilation to gauntlet entry 1

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about gauntlet

Listen to Our Podcast about gauntlet

Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP

Dictionary Entries near gauntlet

Statistics for gauntlet

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for gauntlet

The first known use of gauntlet was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for gauntlet

gauntlet

noun

gaunt·let | \ ˈgȯnt-lət\

Kids Definition of gauntlet

1 : a glove made of small metal plates and worn with a suit of armor

2 : a glove with a wide cuff that protects the wrist and part of the arm

Keep scrolling for more

WORD OF THE DAY

provender

food or victuals

Test Your Vocabulary

Farm Idioms Quiz

What does 'poke' refer to in the expression 'pig in a poke'?

Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ

SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ