A gauntlet (also spelled gantlet) is a type of glove that protects the hands and wrists of a fighter.

Gauntlets cover the hands, wrists, and sometimes the forearms. They are different from bracers, which cover only the wrists and forearms, not the hands. Bracers are often used in medieval and fantasy costume parties.

Types

Beginning in the 11th century, European soldiers and knights used chain mail to protect their bodies. Chain armor "shirts" with wide sleeves that reached the elbow were common. However, it wasn't until the 12th century that chain mail shirts with longer, narrower sleeves became popular. These sometimes included chain mail mittens or "muffs" that looked like fingerless gloves with a pocket for the thumb (some had full fingers). These attached at the bottom of the sleeve and protected the wearer's hands from cuts during combat but did not stop crushing blows. In the early 14th century, armorers started making fully articulated plate armor. At the same time, they created hand protection in the form of gauntlets made of overlapping steel plates. These gauntlets came in two styles: fingerless "mittens" that allowed fingers to share heat but limited movement, and fully fingered "gloves" that allowed full finger use but were less comfortable in cold weather.

A type of gauntlet called a "demi-gauntlet" or "demi-gaunt" also appeared around this time. A demi-gaunt covers only the back of the hand and wrist. It is worn with gloves made of chain mail or padded leather. The advantage of a demi-gaunt is that it allows better hand movement and is lighter than a full gauntlet. The disadvantage is that it offers less protection for the fingers.

In a 2021-2022 archaeological excavation, a well-preserved and nearly complete 14th-century gauntlet was found near Switzerland's Kyburg Castle.

Modern protective gloves called "gauntlets" are still used by metal workers and welders when handling hot metals or working with sparks. These gauntlets do not have metal plates but are made to block heat. Automotive technicians use similar gauntlets to protect their hands when working on car parts. Meat and fishery butchers often wear chain mail gauntlets to guard against knife cuts. Motorcyclists wear leather gauntlets to protect their hands from friction during accidents, and snowmobile drivers wear fingerless gauntlets made of nylon to keep their hands warm. Falconers use leather gauntlets to protect their hands from bird claws, and modern fencing competitors, especially those using the épée, wear fingered gauntlets to avoid cuts or punctures from weapons.

In Western women's fashion, a gauntlet can refer to an extended cuff with little or no hand covering. These are sometimes part of evening gowns or worn by brides at weddings.

In the Roman Catholic Church, the full-fingered gloves traditionally worn by the pope or bishops are also called gauntlets or episcopal gloves. However, their use has decreased since the time of Pope Paul VI.

"Throwing down the gauntlet"

The custom of throwing a gauntlet to respond to a challenge began in ancient times. In Book 5 of the Aeneid, a character named Entelus throws his caestus (a type of boxing glove, also called a gauntlet) into a boxing ring to respond to a challenge from another character named Dares.

To "throw down the gauntlet" means to issue a challenge. A knight wearing gauntlets might challenge another knight or enemy to a fight by placing one of his gauntlets on the ground. The person being challenged would pick up the gauntlet to accept the challenge. This phrase is especially linked to the role of the King’s Champion, an official from medieval times who was responsible for defending the King’s title during his coronation if someone challenged it.