Champion

[Fr. champion; It. campi one; L. Lat. campi ones, persons who descend into the arena to contend in fight; from Lat campus, a plain, a field; A. S. camp; Dan. and Swed. kamp; Ger. kampf, a contest.] One who combats or fights; specifically, in the Middle Ages, a person who took up the cause and fought in the place of another, who, from age, infirmity, or other cause, might be thus represented. Single combat was one of the ways frequently adopted to decide the right of a cause; and women, children, or aged persons were allowed to appear by a representative. At one time the champions formed a particular cla , were compelled to wear a particular dre , and were looked upon as disreputable, being ready, for hire, to take up any quarrel. At a later period, however, during the ages of chivalry, the champion was a knight, who entered the lists on behalf of an injured lady, a child, or one incapable of self-defence. The office of Champion of the Crown of England is of great antiquity. He appeared at Westminster Hall at the coronation, between the courses of the royal banquet, in complete armor; his challenge was proclaimed by the heraid three times, waging battle with any person who should deny or gainsay the title of the king; and the champion threw down his gauntlet. This office was performed at the coгоnation of George IV., in 1821. See WAGER BY BATTLE. -One who earns, or claims, the pre-entinence in feats of physical prowe , or skill, as in prize-fighting, wrestling, rowing, .; one bold in contest; as, the champion of the prize-ring. IMG:content-0124.jpg:[blocks in formation] Champion, in Ohio, a township in the W.central part of Trumbull co. Champion, in Pennsylvania , a P. O. of Fayette co. Champion Hills, in Mi i ippi , a locality near Baker's Creek, in Hinds co., a few miles W. of Jackson. Here, May 16th, 1863, a severe action took place between the National forces, under the command of Gen. Grant, and the Confederates, under Gen. Pemberton, in which, after a contest of several hours, the latter were defeated with considerable lo , leaving about 2,000 prisoners, and 18 guns, in the hands of the victors. The entire National lo was reported at 2,457 men. Cham'pione , n. A female champion. Championship, n. State of being a champion; as, to fight for the championship.