CHAMPION

one who represents or contends in the cause of another. Thus in the Middle Ages a priest, a woman, or an old or otherwise enfeebled person could nominate a ‘champion’ as their representative in any quarrel or pa age of arms. The ‘King’s Champion’ was an officer who, after a coronation in England, summoned to single combat any person who dared dispute the sovereign’s title to the throne. The office was of very early origin, and continued until after the coronation of George IV.