cham´pi|on|less

cham|pi|on «CHAM pee uhn», noun, adjective, verb.

–n.

1. a person, animal, or thing that wins first place in a game or contest: »

He is the swimming champion of our state.

2. a person who fights or speaks for another; person who defends or supports: »

Figurative. That writer is a great champion of peace.

SYNONYM(S): protector, supporter, defender.

3. a fighting man; combatant; man of valor: »

... in close fight a champion grim (Scott).

4. anything engaged in a conflict where power will win: »

Hot, cold, moist, and dry, four champions fierce, Strive here for mast'ry (Milton).

–adj.

first; ahead of all others: »

a champion boxer, champion turnips. My sister is the champion talker in our house.

–v.t.

1. to fight for; speak in behalf of; defend; support: »

Figurative. to champion a lost cause. All his life he has championed freedom.

SYNONYM(S): uphold, back, advocate.

2. Obsolete. to challenge to a contest; bid defiance to.

╂[< Old French champion < Late Latin campiō, -ōnis, ultimately < Latin campus field]

–cham´pi|on|less, adjective.

Usage The nonstandard pronunciation (cham pēn´) is a survival of a variant once found in standard use.