Obs. Forms: 3 caumpiun, 4–7 campion, -pioun, 5 campyon. [A doublet of CHAMPION, in later times chiefly Scotch. ME. campiun, a. ONF. campiun, -on = central OF. champiun, -on (= Pr. campio, -on, It. campione):—late L. campio, -ōnem a combatant in the campus or arena, a professed fighter, f. camp-us field of athletic or pugilistic contest, place of fighting in single combat, lists: see CAMP sb.1 and 2 Campio was formed on campus, like tabellio ‘scrivener’ on tabella ‘written deed.’ Practically also a doublet of KEMP sb.]
1. One who fights in single combat as a trial of strength or bravery, or to decide a judicial question; a gladiator, pugilist, or professional fighter; a combatant.
c. 1320. Cast. Love, 970. I am as campion [v.r. campioun] ouer-come.
1375. Barbour, Bruce, XV. 60. As ilk man war a campioun.
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., 60. Campyon or champyon, athleta, pugil.
1536. Bellenden, Cron. Scot., xvi. (Jam.). Thay refusit na maner of besines nor laubour that mycht pertene to forsy campionis.
2. One who fights on behalf of another, or on behalf of any cause; a champion. techn. One who ‘does battle’ for another in wager of battle.
c. 1270. Saints’ Lives (Laud. MS.) (1887), 281. Ich habbe ane guode Caumpiun to þine bi-holþe i-founde.
1552. Lyndesay, Monarche, 5660. Mony one nobyll Campioun … The Law of God thay did defende.
1588. A. King, trans. Canisius’ Catech., 180 b. S. Paul that maist invincible campion of Christ.
1599. Sandys, Europæ Spec. (1632), 215. Their cheife Campions discouraged.
1609. Skene, Reg. Maj., 56. Anent the exchange of campions. For gif … ane other campion is produced in the kings court, then he quha waged the battell in the inferiour court.
a. 1651. Calderwood, Hist. Kirk (1843), II. 79. Our Head, and soverane Campioun, Jesus Christ.
