paladin

[ pal-uh-din ]

/ ˈpæl ə dɪn /

any one of the 12 legendary peers or knightly champions in attendance on Charlemagne.

any knightly or heroic champion.

any determined advocate or defender of a noble cause.

Origin of paladin

1585–95; < French < Italian paladino < Late Latin palātīnus imperial functionary, noun use of adj.; see palatine¹

In the words of Shondo, a professional cage fighter turned Paladin, “It was my fate to embark on this journey.”

'The Quest' Review: Behold, a Campy 'Game of Thrones' Reality Show |Amy Zimmerman |August 1, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
After these words the paladin was filled with envy at the good fortune of the fool, and made a sign for the guards to enter.

Fairy Tales of the Slav Peasants and Herdsmen |Alexander Chodsko
He was in love with her, heart and soul, as much as if he had been a paladin.

Madonna Mary |Mrs. Oliphant
What a paladin you have been, John, rushing all about Europe on your friend's behalf!

The Last Chronicle of Barset |Anthony Trollope

The Paladin was gone only a couple of minutes; he found out at once that a trick had been played on him, so he came back.

Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc |Mark Twain
In the tribune he was often a Liberal of the modern school; but in action he was always a paladin of the olden time.

Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 68, No. 417, July, 1850 |Various

paladin

/ (ˈpælədɪn) /

one of the legendary twelve peers of Charlemagne's court

a knightly champion

C16: via French from Italian paladino, from Latin palātīnus imperial official, from Palātium Palatine ²