gauntlet
|gaunt-let|
/ˈɡɔːntlɪt/
challenge or protection
Etymology
'gauntlet' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'gantelet', where 'gant' meant 'glove'.
'gantelet' transformed into the Middle English word 'gauntlet', and eventually became the modern English word 'gauntlet'.
Initially, it meant 'a glove', but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'a protective glove' and 'a form of punishment'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a protective glove worn with medieval armor to protect the hand.
The knight wore a gauntlet to protect his hand during battle.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a form of punishment where a person runs between two rows of people who strike them.
He had to run the gauntlet as a form of initiation.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39