gauntlet

Everyday

1. A thick glove with a long wide cuff covering the wrist, worn for work, riding or motoring. tree →
2. A metal glove that was part of a knight's armour. tree →
3. In phrases: «throw down the gauntlet» – challenge someone; «take up the gauntlet» – accept a challenge; «run the gauntlet» – face attacks or criticism from many people one after another. tree →

In the lessons

In The Wind in the Willows Toad's motoring outfit includes goggles, cap and gauntlets – early drivers wore them against cold and dirt. Knights threw down a gauntlet to challenge an enemy to a fight. «Run the gauntlet» comes from an old punishment of running between two rows of people hitting you. In science and safety: welders and gardeners wear gauntlets to protect their hands.

Examples

• Toad pulled on his driving gauntlets and goggles. tree →
• The knight threw down his gauntlet as a challenge. tree →
• Wear gauntlets when you cut thorny roses. tree →
• Our teacher threw down the gauntlet: who could finish the puzzle first? tree →
• The new pupil had to run the gauntlet of questions in the playground. tree →
• The welder wore thick leather gauntlets. tree →
• The sweat ran down his face, but he dried it with his gauntlet. tree →

Note

Countable. Plural: gauntlets. Not the same as «gaunt» (very thin).