GAUNTLET


Meaning of GAUNTLET in English

~ 1

■ noun a stout glove with a long, loose wrist.

↘ historical an armoured glove.

Phrases

take up (or throw down ) the ~ accept (or issue) a challenge.

Origin

ME: from OFr. gantelet , dimin. of gant 'glove', of Gmc origin.

————————

~ 2

( US also gantlet )

■ noun (in phr. run the ~ )

1》 go through an intimidating crowd or experience in order to reach a goal.

2》 historical undergo the military punishment of receiving blows while running between two rows of men with sticks.

Origin

C17: alt. of gantlope (from Swed. gatlopp , from gata 'lane' + lopp 'course'), assoc. with ~ 1 .

Concise Oxford English vocab.      Сжатый оксфордский словарь английского языка.