Definition

Noun: 1. A protective glove: A glove, often made of leather or metal, that covers the hand and sometimes part of the arm, worn for protection in activities like fencing, motorcycling, or historically in armor. 2. A form of punishment or ordeal: A punishment where a person is forced to run between two lines of people who strike them as they pass. By extension, a severe trial or series of attacks. 3. A challenge: The act of offering or accepting a challenge, derived from the historical practice of throwing down a glove.

Examples of Usage

• As a protective glove:
  • The knight wore a steel gauntlet on his right hand.
  • She put on her leather gauntlets before starting the motorcycle.
• As a punishment or ordeal:
  • The prisoner was sentenced to run the gauntlet.
  • The new policy had to run the gauntlet of public criticism.
• As a symbol of challenge:
  • He threw down the gauntlet and challenged his rival to a duel.

Advanced Usage

• "to run the gauntlet": To endure a series of difficulties, criticisms, or attacks.
  • Every new product must run the gauntlet of rigorous testing before release.
• "to throw down the gauntlet": To issue a challenge.
  • The new company threw down the gauntlet to the industry leaders with its innovative design.
• "to take up/pick up the gauntlet": To accept a challenge.
  • The champion took up the gauntlet and agreed to the rematch.

Variants and Related Words

• Glove: A general covering for the hand with separate sections for each finger.
• Mitten: A glove that does not have separate finger sections.
• Vambrace: The piece of armor that protects the forearm, often worn with a gauntlet.

Synonyms

• Glove (for the protective sense).
• Ordeal, trial (for the punishment sense).
• Challenge, provocation (for the symbolic sense).

Related Phrases

• Run a gauntlet of...: To face a series of something difficult (e.g., questions, tests).
  • The politician ran a gauntlet of reporters' questions.

Related Idioms

• "An iron fist/hand in a velvet glove": This idiom describes a firm or harsh approach that is disguised by a gentle manner. It contrasts with the gauntlet, which is an overt symbol of protection or challenge.

Noun

1. a form of punishment in which a person is forced to run between two lines of men facing each other and armed with clubs or whips to beat the victim
2. a glove with long sleeve
3. a glove of armored leather; protects the hand
4. to offer or accept a challenge
   • threw down the gauntlet
   • took up the gauntlet