CHAMPION

I. noun Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin campion-, campio, of West Germanic origin; akin to Old English cempa warrior Date: 13th century warrior , fighter , a militant advocate or defender , one that does battle for another's rights or honor , a winner of first prize or first place in competition, II. transitive verb Date: 1605 challenge , defy , to protect or fight for as a ~, to act as militant supporter of ; uphold , advocate , see: support