Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CHAM'PI-ON, n. [Fr. champion; Arm. campyon; Sp. campeon; Port. campeam, or campiam; It. campione; D. kamper, or kampvegter; G. kampfer. In all the Teutonic dialects, camp or kamp signifies a combat, and in some of them, a camp; Sax. campa, a camp and a combat; cempa, a soldier, warrior or gladiator; W. camp, a game, a feat; campiaw, to contend in a game. Here we have the origin of the Latin campus. It was originally the plain or open place appropriated to games, sports and athletic exercises.]

1. A man who undertakes a combat in the place or cause of another. – Bacon.
2. A man who fights in his own cause in a duel.
3. A hero; a brave warrior. Hence, one who is bold in contest; as, a champion for the truth.