person who undertakes a combat in the place or quarrel of another; and sometimes the word is used for him who fights in his own cause.

It appears that champions, in the just sense of the word, were persons who fought instead of those that, by custom, were obliged to accept the duel, but had a just excuse for dispensing with it, as being too old, infirm, or being ecclesiastics, and the like. Such causes as could not be decided by the course of common law, were often tried by single combat; and he who had the good fortune to conquer, was always reputed to have justice on his side. Champions who fought for interest only, were held infamous; these hired themselves to the nobility, to fight for them in case of need, and did homage for their pension.

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.