What is "to take up the glove"

Glove \Glove\ (gl[u^]v), n. [OE. glove, glofe, AS. gl[=o]f; akin to Icel. gl[=o]fi, cf. Goth. l[=o]fa palm of the hand, Icel. l[=o]fi.]

1. A cover for the hand, or for the hand and wrist, with a separate sheath for each finger. The latter characteristic distinguishes the glove from the mitten.

2. A boxing glove. Boxing glove. See under Boxing. Glove fight, a pugilistic contest in which the fighters wear boxing gloves. Glove money or Glove silver.

   1. A tip or gratuity to servants, professedly to buy gloves with.

   2. (Eng. Law.) A reward given to officers of courts; also, a fee given by the sheriff of a county to the clerk of assize and judge's officers, when there are no offenders to be executed.

      Glove sponge (Zo["o]l.), a fine and soft variety of commercial sponges ( Spongia officinalis).

      To be hand and glove with, to be intimately associated or on good terms with. ``Hand and glove with traitors.''
      --J. H. Newman.

      To handle without gloves, to treat without reserve or tenderness; to deal roughly with. [Colloq.]

      To take up the glove, to accept a challenge or adopt a quarrel.

      To throw down the glove, to challenge to combat.