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单词 gauntlets
释义

gauntlet

1 of 2

noun (1)

gaunt·​let ˈgȯnt-lət How to pronounce gauntlet (audio)
ˈgänt-
variants or less commonly gantlet
1
: a glove worn with medieval armor to protect the hand
2
: any of various protective gloves used especially in industry
3
: an open challenge (as to combat)
used in phrases like throw down the gauntlet
4
: a dress glove extending above the wrist
gauntleted
ˈgȯnt-lə-təd How to pronounce gauntlet (audio)
ˈgänt-
adjective

gauntlet

2 of 2

noun (2)

variants or less commonly gantlet
1
a
: a double file of men facing each other and armed with clubs or other weapons with which to strike at an individual who is made to run between them
used with run
b
: a line, series, or assemblage
especially : one that poses some sort of ordeal
a gauntlet of autograph-seekers
2
: a severe trial : ordeal
ran the gauntlet of criticism and censure

Did you know?

Gauntlet comes from Middle French gantelet, the diminutive of gant, meaning "glove." (The gauntlet that means "severe trial," "ordeal," or "double file of armed men" is a different word that originates from Swedish gata, meaning "lane" or "way.") To throw down the gauntlet is to issue an open challenge, while to pick up the gauntlet is to accept an open challenge. These figurative phrases come from the conventions of medieval combat. The gauntlet was the glove of a suit of armor. To challenge someone to combat, a knight would throw his glove at another knight's feet. The second knight would take it up if he intended to accept the challenge, in which case a jousting match might ensue.

Synonyms

Noun (2)

  • cross
  • crucible
  • fire
  • ordeal
  • trial
See all Synonyms & Antonyms

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Middle French gantelet, diminutive of gant glove, from Old French, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle Dutch want glove, Old Norse vǫttr

Noun (2)

altered from gantelope, apparently by assimilation to gauntlet entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1645, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

gauntlet

noun

gaunt·​let
ˈgȯnt-lət
1
: a glove made of small metal plates and worn with a suit of armor
2
: a glove with a wide cuff that protects the wrist and part of the arm

gauntlets

noun

variants also gantlets
plural of gauntlet
as in trials
a test of faith, patience, or strength before being adopted, school textbooks must often run the gauntlet of several local and state committees

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
  • trials
  • crucibles
  • initiations
  • ordeals
  • fires
  • crosses
  • challenges
  • difficulties
  • acid tests
  • misfortunes
  • woes
  • hardships
  • vicissitudes
  • adversities
  • baptisms of fire
  • privations
  • tribulations
  • asperities
  • afflictions
  • tragedies
  • litmus tests
  • mishaps
  • rigors
  • misadventures
  • complications
  • troubles
  • baptisms
  • inconveniences
  • griefs
  • discomforts
  • nuisances
  • grievances
  • mischances
  • annoyances
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更新时间:2025/1/11 8:23:07