paladin

pal·a·din

noun \ˈpa-lə-dən\

Definition of PALADIN

1

: a trusted military leader (as for a medieval prince)

2

: a leading champion of a cause

Examples of PALADIN

1. <an idealistic paladin seeking better treatment for the homeless>

Origin of PALADIN

Middle French, from Italian paladino, from Old French palatin, from Medieval Latin palatinus courtier, from Late Latin, imperial official — more at palatine

First Known Use: 1592

Related to PALADIN

Synonyms: advocate, advocator, apostle, backer, booster, champion, expounder, espouser, friend, gospeler (or gospeller), herald, hierophant, high priest, exponent, promoter, proponent, protagonist, supporter, true believer, tub-thumper, white knight

Antonyms: adversary, antagonist, opponent

Related Words: loyalist, partisan (also partizan), stalwart; adherent, cohort, disciple, follower; interpreter; applauder, cheerleader, encourager, fellow traveler

Near Antonyms: enemy, foe, rival; belittler, critic, faultfinder

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Other History Terms

agonistic, carpetbagger, enceinte, fief, historiography