CHAMPION of the king, a person whose office it is, at the coronation of our kings, to ride armed into Westminster-hall, while the king is at dinner there, and, by the proclamation of a herald, make challenge to this
effect, viz. "That if any man shall deny the king's title to the crown, he is there ready to defend it in single combat, &c." Which done, the king drinks to him, and sends him a gilt cup, with a cover, full of wine, which the champion drinks, and has the cup for his fee.