Webster's English Dictionary

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gauntlet

1. gaunt.let \'go.nt-l*t, 'ga:nt-\ \-l*t-*d\ n [ME, fr. MF gantelet, dim. 
   of gant glove, of Gmc origin; akin to MD] want mitten, ON vo:ttr gloves 1: 
   a glove to protect the hand worn with medieval armor  2: any of various 
   protective gloves used esp. in industry  3: a challenge to combat with  4: 
   a dress glove extending above the wrist  - gaunt.let.ed aj
2. gaunt.let \'go.nt-l*t, 'ga:nt-\ n [by folk etymology fr. gantelope] 1: a 
   double file of men facing each other and armed with clubs or other wea pons 
   with which to strike at an individual who is made to run between them 2: a 
   cross fire of any kind; also : ORDEAL