c.1225, from O.Fr. champion, from L.L. campio (acc. campionem) "gladiator, combatant in the field," from L. campus "field (of combat)" (see campus). Had been borrowed earlier by O.E. as cempa. The verb "to fight for, defend, protect" is from 1820. Championship is from 1825.
[cham-pee-uh
n] 