noun
paladin
PAL-uh-din/pˈælʌdɪn/
A heroic warrior or champion who defends a cause.
The young paladin defends the village against a band of raiders.
Etymology
The pieces mean “belonging to the palace,” originally describing a palace official. The title came to name Charlemagne’s knightly companions in romance, then broadened to any heroic champion.
In context
The thief is convinced that no real paladin would ever end up in a dump like this, accusing him of being nothing more than a gloryhound warrior playing dressup.
More examples
- She becomes a paladin of free speech despite threats to her career.
- The story follows three paladins who protect travelers from danger.
- Workers hail the fearless lawyer as their paladin.
Forms
paladin · paladins