- Champion
- Champion Cham"pi*on (ch[a^]m"p[i^]*[u^]n), n. [F. champion,
fr. LL.campio, of German origin; cf. OHG. chempho, chemphio,
fighter, champf, G. kampf, contest; perh. influenced by L.
campus field, taken in the sense of ``field of battle.'']
1. One who engages in any contest; especially one who in
ancient times contended in single combat in behalf of
another's honor or rights; or one who now acts or speaks
in behalf of a person or a cause; a defender; an advocate;
a hero.
[1913 Webster]
A stouter champion never handled sword. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
Champions of law and liberty. --Fisher Ames. [1913 Webster]
2. One who by defeating all rivals, has obtained an acknowledged supremacy in any branch of athletics or game of skill, and is ready to contend with any rival; as, the champion of England. [1913 Webster]
Note: Champion is used attributively in the sense of surpassing all competitors; overmastering; as, champion pugilist; champion chess player.
Syn: Leader; chieftain; combatant; hero; warrior; defender; protector. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
