GANTLET

gauntlet, gantlet

(noun) 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

gantlet

(noun) the convergence of two parallel railroad tracks in a narrow place; the inner rails cross and run parallel and then diverge so a train remains on its own tracks at all times

gauntlet, gantlet

(noun) a glove with long sleeve

gauntlet, gantlet, metal glove

(noun) a glove of armored leather; protects the hand

gauntlet, gantlet

(noun) to offer or accept a challenge; “threw down the gauntlet”; “took up the gauntlet”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

gantlet (plural gantlets)

Alternative spelling of gauntlet

Source: Wiktionary

Gant"let, n. [Gantlet is corrupted fr. gantlope; gantlope is for gatelope, Sw. gatlopp, orig., a running down a lane; gata street, lane + lopp course, career, akin to löpa to run. See Gate a way, and Leap.]

Definition: A military punishment formerly in use, wherein the offender was made to run between two files of men facing one another, who struck him as he passed. To run the gantlet, to suffer the punishment of the gantlet; hence, to go through the ordeal of severe criticism or controversy, or ill-treatment at many hands. Winthrop ran the gantlet of daily slights. Palfrey.

Note: Written also, but less properly, gauntlet.

Gant"let, n.

Definition: A glove. See Gauntlet.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition