gantelope: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / ObsoleteHistorical / Archaic
Quick answer
What does “gantelope” mean?
An archaic term for 'gauntlet', specifically referring to a form of military punishment where a person runs between two rows of men who strike them.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An archaic term for 'gauntlet', specifically referring to a form of military punishment where a person runs between two rows of men who strike them.
Historically, a double line of soldiers or individuals armed with sticks or other weapons through which a condemned person was forced to run while being struck; by extension, any severe trial or ordeal one must endure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No contemporary regional difference exists, as the term is obsolete in both varieties. Historical texts from both regions may use it.
Connotations
Purely historical/connotative of harsh, archaic military discipline.
Frequency
Extremely rare to non-existent in modern usage in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “gantelope” in a Sentence
[Subject] ran the gantelope.[Subject] was condemned to the gantelope.to run the gantelope of [figurative ordeal]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gantelope” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The mutineer was to be ganteloped.
American English
- The prisoner was ganteloped for his disobedience.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical texts or discussions of etymology/punishment history.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Not used in modern technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gantelope”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gantelope”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gantelope”
- Using it to mean a glove (that is 'gauntlet').
- Spelling it as 'gauntelope' or 'ganteloupe'.
- Using it in a contemporary, non-figurative sense.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In the specific context of the punishment 'running the gauntlet', yes, 'gantelope' is the older, now obsolete form. The word 'gauntlet' for a glove is a different word with a different etymology.
Almost certainly not in spoken or modern written English. It might be encountered in historical novels or texts, but 'running the gauntlet' is the universal modern phrase.
It comes from the Swedish 'gatlopp', from 'gata' (lane) and 'lopp' (course). It entered English in the 17th century and was later altered to 'gauntlet' due to association with the glove.
Yes, like its modern counterpart 'gauntlet', it can be used figuratively to describe any difficult trial or series of criticisms one must endure, e.g., 'He ran the gantelope of hostile questions from the press.'
An archaic term for 'gauntlet', specifically referring to a form of military punishment where a person runs between two rows of men who strike them.
Gantelope is usually historical / archaic in register.
Gantelope: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡæntələʊp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡæntəˌloʊp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “run the gantelope”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ANTelope running' – but instead of running free, the antelope is forced to run a punishing line (the GANTelope).
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY WITH OBSTACLES; a difficult experience is a physical punishment one must run through.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary modern relevance of the word 'gantelope'?