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]

Champion \Cham"pi*on\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Championed}; p. pr.
   & vb. n. {Championing}.] [Obs.] --Shak.
   
[1913 Webster]

   2. To furnish with a champion; to attend or defend as
      champion; to support or maintain; to protect.
      
[1913 Webster]


            Championed or unchampioned, thou diest. --Sir W.
                                                  Scott.
      
[1913 Webster]