I. ˈcham-pē-ən 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
1. : warrior , fighter
2. : a militant advocate or defender
a champion of civil rights
3. : one that does battle for another's rights or honor
God will raise me up a champion — Sir Walter Scott
4. : a winner of first prize or first place in competition ; also : one who shows marked superiority
a champion at selling
II. transitive verb
Date: 1605
1. archaic : challenge , defy
2. : to protect or fight for as a champion
3. : to act as militant supporter of : uphold , advocate
always champion s the cause of the underdog
Synonyms: see support