Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Gantlet
Gant′let
,Noun.
[Gantlet is corrupted fr.
gantlope
; gantlope
is for gatelope
, Sw. gatlopp
, orig., a running down a lane; gata
street, lane + lopp
course, career, akin to löpa to run. See Gate
a way, and Leap
.] A military punishment formerly in use, wherein the offender was made to run between two files of men facing one another, who struck him as he passed.
To run the gantlet
, to suffer the punishment of the gantlet; hence, to go through the ordeal of severe criticism or controversy, or ill-treatment at many hands.
Winthrop ran the
gantlet
of daily slights. Palfrey.
☞ Written also, but less properly, gauntlet.