crusader

American  

[kroo-seyd-er] / kruˈseɪd ər /

noun

1. Often Crusader a participant in any of the crusades or military expeditions undertaken with papal sanction by the Christians of Europe in the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries in an effort to recover the Holy Land from the Muslims.

   Orders of monks who were also knights became the "storm troops" of the Christian crusaders.

2. a participant in any vigorous movement for the defense or advancement of an idea, cause, etc..

   Nepal's most prominent crusader for equal rights for sexual minorities was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

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Etymology

Origin of crusader

crusade ( def. ) + -er ¹ ( def. )

Related Words

• agitator
• campaigner
• zealot