Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Champion

Champion (cham"pi*un) , noun

[French champion, from Late Latincampio, of German origin; compare Old High German chempho, chemphio, fighter, champf, German kampf, contest; perh. influenced by Latin 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.
field of battle.
A stouter champion never handled sword. — Shakespeare
Champions of law and liberty. — Fisher Ames
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.

Champion is used attributively in the sense of surpassing all competitors; overmastering; as, champion pugilist; champion chess player.

Champion , transitive verb

2.
To furnish with a champion; to attend or defend as champion; to support or maintain; to protect.
Championed or unchampioned, thou diest. — Sir W. Scott