Champion

(cham'pe-un.) [From L. Lat. campion es, a fighter in the arena.] Generally, one who combats or fights, or who upholds a cause against all competitors or aggre ors. Formerly, in the Middle Ages, when two C. were chosen to maintain a cause, it was always required that there should be a decree of the judge to authorize the combat. When the judge had pronounced sentence, the accused threw down a gage or pledge, originally a glove or gauntlet, which, being lifted upby the accuser, they were both thereupon taken into safe custody till the day appointed for the battle. Champion Hills, near Baker's creek, Hinds co., Mi i ippi, a little to the W. of Jackson. This locality was the scene of a severe engagement, May 16, 1863, between Gen. Pemberton's command of Confederates, and the National forces under Gen. Grant, when the former were defeated with a lo of abt. 2,400 men. [s. 164]