[cham.pi.on] n [ME, fr. OF, fr. ML campion-, campio, of WGmc origin; akin to OE cempa warrior] (13c) 1: warrior, fighter
2: a militant advocate or defender "a ~ of civil rights"
3: one that does battle for another's rights or honor "God will raise me up a ~ --Sir Walter Scott"
4: a winner of first prize or first place in competition; also: one who shows marked superiority "a ~ at selling"
[2]champion vt (1605) 1 archaic: challenge, defy
2: to protect or fight for as a champion
3: to act as militant supporter of: uphold, advocate "always ~s the cause of the underdog" syn see support