paladin

American  

[pal-uh-din] / ˈpæl ə dɪn /

noun

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

2. any knightly or heroic champion.

3. any determined advocate or defender of a noble cause.

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paladin British  

/ ˈpælədɪn /

noun

1. one of the legendary twelve peers of Charlemagne's court

2. a knightly champion

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Etymology

Origin of paladin

First recorded in 1585–95; from French, from Italian paladino, from Late Latin palātīnus “imperial functionary,” noun use of adjective; palatine ¹

Compare meaning

How does paladin compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• paladin vs. warrior

Example Sentences

Then we have Regé-Jean Page's Xenk Yendar, a paladin so devout and good that it makes him insufferable – which is precisely how paladins should come across in mixed company.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2023

To do this, she will have to jump repeatedly between universes and, like a video-game paladin shifting fighting styles at will, absorb the special powers of her many, many fellow Evelyns.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2022

Lionel evolves a little too conveniently from misfit to paladin, from ally of the marginal and oppressed to their would-be savior.

From New York Times • Oct. 31, 2019

Helpless against the ogre in the white castle looming over their town, they hired Sir Robert, peerless paladin of republican virtue, and sent him forth against the monster.

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2019

If I had a suspicion of the skill of a Dickens or a Thackeray I should try to give that "touch of the brogue" which flavoured the conversation of this paladin like a subtle condiment.

From Mrs. Fitz by Snaith, J. C.