gauntlet Definition
- 1a stout glove with a long loose wrist, worn by a knight in armor to protect the hand.
- 2a challenge or provocation, typically in the form of a glove thrown down as a token of war.
- 3a line of people armed with weapons with which to beat a person forced to run between them.
Using gauntlet: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "gauntlet" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The knight wore a gauntlet made of steel.
Example
He threw down the gauntlet and challenged his opponent to a duel.
Example
The prisoner had to run the gauntlet between two rows of guards.
Example
She ran the gauntlet of criticism from her colleagues.
gauntlet Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for gauntlet
Phrases with gauntlet
Example
He picked up the gauntlet and agreed to the debate.
Example
She threw down the gauntlet and dared him to prove her wrong.
Example
The new employee had to run the gauntlet of training sessions and evaluations.
Origins of gauntlet
from Old French 'gantelet', diminutive of 'gant', meaning 'glove'
Summary: gauntlet in Brief
The term 'gauntlet' [gɔːntlət] refers to a type of glove worn by knights in armor to protect their hands. It also denotes a challenge or provocation, often in the form of a glove thrown down as a token of war. Additionally, it can refer to a line of people armed with weapons with which to beat a person forced to run between them. The phrase 'pick up the gauntlet' means to accept a challenge, while 'throw down the gauntlet' means to issue one. 'Run the gauntlet' means to endure a series of trials or difficulties.
