Cham"pi*on (chăm"p&ibreve;*ŭn),
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; esp. 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.
A stouter champion never handled sword.
Shak.
Champions of law and liberty.
Fisher Ames.
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.
&fist; 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.
Cham"pi*on, v. t. [imp. &
p. p. Championed (?); p. pr. & vb.
n. Championing.] [Obs.] Shak.
2. To furnish with a champion; to attend
or defend as champion; to support or maintain; to
protect.
Championed or unchampioned, thou diest.
Sir W. Scott.
