Definition

Noun: A protective glove, historically made of leather and reinforced with metal plates or mail, designed to shield the hand from injury in combat or hazardous work.

Usage

This term specifically refers to a type of armored handwear. It is a historical or specialized term, most commonly used in contexts discussing medieval armor, historical reenactment, or certain industrial safety equipment. - The knight's armor was incomplete without a metal glove to protect his sword hand. - In his collection of antique armor, the articulated metal glove was the most intricate piece.

Advanced Usage

• "Gauntlet" as a specific type: The most precise historical term for a full armored glove is a gauntlet. While "metal glove" is descriptive, "gauntlet" is the technical term within armor terminology.
  • The knight dropped his gauntlet as a challenge to a duel. (Here, "gauntlet" is used, which is a type of metal glove.)

Variants and Related Words

• Gauntlet (noun): A glove with a long cuff, made of leather or metal plates, forming part of a suit of armor.
• Mitten gauntlet (noun): A type of armored glove where the fingers are enclosed together in a single compartment.
• Hourglass gauntlet (noun): A style of gauntlet with a flared cuff, popular in the 14th century.

Synonyms

• Armored glove
• Gauntlet (specific synonym)
• Plate glove

Related Phrases

• To throw down the gauntlet: To issue a challenge. (This idiom uses "gauntlet," the specific type of metal glove).
  • The new company's product threw down the gauntlet to all its competitors.

Noun

1. a glove of armored leather; protects the hand