gantlet

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 löpa 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 ]

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