Thesaurus

(n) : (figuratively) Any challenging, difficult, or painful ordeal, often one performed for atonement or punishment.

(n) : Protective armor for the hands, formerly thrown down as a challenge to combat.

(n) : A long glove covering the wrist.

(n) : A simultaneous attack from two or more sides.

(n) : (archaic) Two parallel rows of attackers who strike at a criminal as punishment.

(n) : (rail transport) Overlapping parallel rail tracks; either to allowing passage through a narrow opening in each direction without switching, or to allow vehicles of a larger gauge to pass through a station without hitting the platforms.