Definition of "gauntlet" in English

noun

1. Protective armor for the hands, formerly thrown down as a challenge to combat.

2. A long glove covering the wrist.

3. (nautical) A rope on which hammocks or clothes are hung for drying.

4. (medicine) An eruption of pellagra on the hands.

noun

1. (archaic) Two parallel rows of attackers who strike at a criminal as punishment.

2. A simultaneous attack from two or more sides.

3. (figuratively) Any challenging, difficult, or painful ordeal, often one performed for atonement or punishment.

4. (rail transport) Overlapping parallel rail tracks; either to allowing passage through a narrow opening in each direction without switching, or to allow vehicles of a larger gauge to pass through a station without hitting the platforms.