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Gauntlet Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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gauntlet

[หˆษกษ”หntlษชt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

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?

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Word Description / Examples
gauntlet

Used in historical or fantasy contexts to describe a piece of armor that covers the wrist and hand.

  • The knight donned his sturdy gauntlet before heading into battle
glove

Commonly worn in everyday life for warmth, protection, or hygiene. Can also be specialized, as in gardening gloves or medical gloves.

  • She put on her gloves before heading out into the cold
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.

  • He picked up the hot tray from the oven with a thick mitt
mitten

Used particularly for cold weather clothing, covering the whole hand but having a separate section for the thumb.

  • The child wore colorful mittens to keep her hands warm during the snowball fight
arm guard

Often used in sports, especially in archery or martial arts, to describe protective gear worn on the forearm.

  • The archer adjusted his arm guard to ensure a secure fit

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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'gauntlet'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'gauntlet' originated from Middle English, from Old French 'gantelet', diminutive of 'gant', meaning 'glove'. The use of gauntlets in combat dates back to the Middle Ages, where they were an essential part of a knight's armor. Over time, gauntlets evolved to serve both protective and decorative purposes in various cultures.

See also: gaunt.

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.