"gauntlet1 ['gɔːntlıt], gantlet
noun
1 a medieval armoured leather glove

2 a heavy glove with a long cuff

3 take up (or throw down) the gauntlet to accept (or offer) a challenge
[ETYMOLOGY: 15th Century: from Old French gantelet, diminutive of gant glove, of Germanic origin]"

HTH,

Serge L.

Oxford dic.

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Note added at 4 mins (2003-07-04 09:07:13 GMT)
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Main Entry: 1gaunt·let
Pronunciation: \'gont-l&t, \'gänt-
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French gantelet, diminutive of gant glove, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle Dutch want glove, Old Norse vottr
Date: 15th century
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
- gaunt·let·ed /-l&-t&d/ adjective

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Note added at 4 mins (2003-07-04 09:07:41 GMT)
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Merriam Webster.