a 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. See the article BATTLE.

CHAMPION of the King, (campio regis), is an ancient officer, whose office is, at the coronation of our kings, when the king is at dinner, to ride armed cap-a-pie, into Westminster-Hall, and by the proclamation of an herald make a challenge, "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 being done, the king drinks to him, and sends him a gilt cup with a cover full of wine, which the champion drinks, and hath the cup for his fee. This office, at the coronation of king Richard II. when Baldwin Freville exhibited his petition for it, was adjudged from him to his competitor Sir John Dymocke (both claiming from Marmion), and hath continued ever since in the family of the Dymocks; who hold the manor of Sinvelby in Lincolnshire, hereditary from the Marmions by grand serjeantry, viz. that the lord thereof shall be the king's champion as aforesaid. Accordingly Sir Edward Dymocke performed this office at the coronation of king Charles II. and a person of the name of Dymocke performed at the coronation of his present majesty George the third.