n.
1 a stout glove with a long loose wrist.
2 hist. an armoured glove.
3 the part of a glove covering the wrist.
4 a challenge (esp. in throw down the gauntlet).
Etymology: ME f. OF gantelet dimin. of gant glove f. Gmc
2.
n. (US gantlet)
Phrases and idioms:
run the gauntlet
1 be subjected to harsh criticism.
2 pass between two rows of people and receive blows from them, as a punishment or ordeal.
Etymology: earlier gantlope f. Sw. gatlopp f. gata lane, lopp course, assim. to GAUNTLET(1)
Useful english dictionary. 2012.