Gauntlet (glove)#.22Throw down the gauntlet.22

The term gauntlet ( feud: " private war " ) is in the German language in the phrases " the gauntlet throw down " and " take / pick up the gauntlet " is used.

Importance

" Someone throw down the gauntlet " means to challenge him or start him want to dispute. From " The gauntlet record / cancel " is when someone accepts a challenge.

Origin

Contrary to popular belief, the term does not come from the Middle Ages. Against that time, although the custom of Hinwerfens and picking up a glove to the announcement and acceptance of a feud in circles of chivalry is known, but it was for the legality of such a feud, a formal statement of the feud necessary.

The term as a composition of words feud and glove was only in the 18th century, when it was common to beat his opponent a glove made ​​of cloth in the face, to challenge him to a duel of honor.