gauntlet
//ˈɡɔːnt.lət//
Noun
A sturdy protective glove, especially one made of leather covered with metal plates, worn as part of medieval armor.
The knight put on his gauntlets before entering the battlefield.
A long, heavy glove with a wide cuff covering part of the forearm, used for protection in various activities such as fencing, falconry, or industrial work.
The falconer wore a thick leather gauntlet to protect his arm from the hawk's sharp talons.
Synonym
Noun
A challenging ordeal or series of difficulties that one must endure, as in 'run the gauntlet'.
New employees must run the gauntlet of rigorous training before they can work independently.
A form of punishment or challenge in which a person must pass between two rows of people who strike at them.
The new recruits had to run the gauntlet as part of their initiation.