Gauntlet: meaning, definitions and examples
๐งค
gauntlet
[หษกษหntlษชt ]
Definition
wearable item
A gauntlet is a protective glove, typically made of leather or metal, worn as part of a suit of armor. It is designed to protect the hand and wrist during combat.
Synonyms
arm guard, glove, mitt, mitten.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| gauntlet |
Used in historical or fantasy contexts to describe a piece of armor that covers the wrist and hand.
|
| glove |
Commonly worn in everyday life for warmth, protection, or hygiene. Can also be specialized, as in gardening gloves or medical gloves.
|
| mitt |
Usually refers to a type of glove that features a larger, bulkier design, often used in sports like baseball or for handling hot objects in a kitchen.
|
| mitten |
Used particularly for cold weather clothing, covering the whole hand but having a separate section for the thumb.
|
| arm guard |
Often used in sports, especially in archery or martial arts, to describe protective gear worn on the forearm.
|
Examples of usage
- The knight wore a gauntlet on his right hand to protect it during battle.
- She put on her gauntlets before handling the hot metal.
- The gauntlet was adorned with intricate designs and symbols.
- The leather gauntlet was well-worn from years of use.
- The gauntlet was passed down through generations of the family.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term comes from the Middle English word 'gantalet', which means a small glove.
- In the 16th century, it was also used to describe a kind of protective glove worn by knights.
- The phrase 'running the gauntlet' originated from a punishment where the person had to run between two lines of people who would hit them.
Historical Use
- Knights wore gauntlets during battles to protect their hands but also show off their craftsmanship.
- In the 19th century military, the gauntlet symbolized bravery as soldiers faced challenges that could endanger their lives.
- The gauntlet is often associated with chivalric traditions, where facing opponents was considered an honorable act.
Literature
- In various tales, including those of Arthurian legend, characters often face gauntlets as tests of their valor and skill.
- Shakespeare used the imagery of a gauntlet to symbolize obstacles and challenges that the hero must overcome in his plays.
- Contemporary literature still uses the concept to portray the struggles of protagonists challenged by their foes.
Cultural References
- The phrase 'throw down the gauntlet' has entered popular culture, signifying someone is challenging another person to a duel or contest.
- In movies, characters often 'run the gauntlet' in action scenes when they face multiple dangers in a row.
- Video games frequently use gauntlets as levels where players confront a series of escalating challenges.
Psychology
- Facing a gauntlet can be a metaphor for personal challenges, such as overcoming obstacles in life and building resilience.
- Enduring difficult experiences can lead to growth, reminiscent of overcoming the gauntlet in a story.
- The concept supports the idea of 'grit' in psychology, showcasing how perseverance can lead to eventually succeeding against tough odds.
Translations
Translations of the word "gauntlet" in other languages:
๐ต๐น luva de desafio
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฆเคธเฅเคคเคพเคจเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Handschuh
๐ฎ๐ฉ sarung tangan
๐บ๐ฆ ััะบะฐะฒะธัั
๐ต๐ฑ rฤkawica
๐ฏ๐ต ๆ่ข (ใฆใถใใ)
๐ซ๐ท gant
๐ช๐ธ guante
๐น๐ท eldiven
๐ฐ๐ท ์ฅ๊ฐ
๐ธ๐ฆ ููุงุฒ
๐จ๐ฟ rukavice
๐ธ๐ฐ rukavica
๐จ๐ณ ๆๅฅ (shวutร o)
๐ธ๐ฎ rokavica
๐ฎ๐ธ hanski
๐ฐ๐ฟ าะพะปาะฐะฟ
๐ฌ๐ช แฎแแแแแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ ษlcษk
๐ฒ๐ฝ guante
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #22,238, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.
- ...
- 22235 innovate
- 22236 glistened
- 22237 journeying
- 22238 gauntlet
- 22239 stencil
- 22240 inexpressible
- 22241 remainders
- ...