1. a line of people armed with weapons who strike at a person forced to run between them as punishment
Usage: historical; also spelled gauntlet
2. a series of harsh tests or challenges that someone must endure
Usage: figurative; also spelled gauntlet
3. a railroad track arrangement where two parallel tracks cross or overlap
Usage: railroad terminology; also spelled gauntlet

Examples

• The soldier had to run the gantlet as punishment for his crime.
• New employees must run the gantlet of interviews and evaluations before being hired.
• The candidate faced a gantlet of tough questions from the panel.
• The railroad workers installed a gantlet where the two tracks intersected.
• She ran the gantlet of criticism after her controversial statement.
• The team had to run the gantlet of playoff games to reach the championship.