What does the word "gauntlet" signify?

The term "gauntlet" is most commonly understood as a type of challenge or ordeal that someone must face, often implying a form of trial or punishment. This usage is derived from the phrase "running the gauntlet," which historically referred to a punishment where a person would have to run between two lines of people who would strike them as they passed. This reflects the notion of enduring hardship or testing one's courage and resilience.

While "gauntlet" does have a literal meaning referring to a protective glove worn in combat, the context of the question points to its figurative use, which aligns closely with trials and challenges faced in life. The other options—including a meditative process or a celebratory event—do not capture this inherent sense of hardship or punitive experience that the word "gauntlet" conveys.