Champion

n. [Fr. champion, Pr. campion, Sp. campeon, It. campione, L. Lat. campio, from Lat. campus, field; originally a man of the field or place of combat, of the field of action or battle.] 1. One who engages in any contest; especially one who contends in behalf of another in single combat. “Champions of law and liberty.” Fisher Ames. A stouter champion never handled sword. Shak. 2. One who has the acknowledged superiority as a prize-fighter, waterman, &c.; one ready to fight all who offer against him.