Gauntlet
A gauntlet is a metal glove that is designed to protect the hand and wrist. It could be made of chainmaille (cf. a butcher's glove) or be an articulated metal mitten or glove.
Fencers sometimes used armoured gloves which ranged from gauntlets to gloves with metal strips or plates sewn in. These gloves could extend to the elbow.
In the SCA, all fighters must wear hand protection as part of their armour. For heavy fighters, this ideally is a gauntlet, but sometimes the cheaper option is a sporting glove like a gumby. The exception is if the hand is already protected by something else, e.g. something covering the handle of a shield. Archers can wear a light glove with the tips of their draw fingers being uncovered. Fencers must wear at least a glove. Armoured gloves are treated as a different piece of armour and have special rules regarding their use.
See also:
