to run the gantlet

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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Gantlet \Gant"let\, n. [Gantlet is corrupted fr. gantlope; gantlope is for gatelope, Sw. gatlopp, orig., a running down a lane; gata street, lane + lopp course, career, akin to l["o]pa to run. See Gate a way, and Leap.] A military punishment formerly in use, wherein the offender was made to run between two files of men facing one another, who struck him as he passed. [1913 Webster]

To run the gantlet, to suffer the punishment of the gantlet; hence, to go through the ordeal of severe criticism or controversy, or ill-treatment at many hands. [1913 Webster]

Winthrop ran the gantlet of daily slights.— Palfrey.[1913 Webster]

Note: Written also, but less properly, gauntlet. [1913 Webster]

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