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

In her review, AP’s Jocelyn Noveck said it works “surprisingly, sometimes delightfully well — even if you have no clue what a paladin or Red Wizard or Harper is.”

From Seattle Times • Aug. 20, 2023

"Bridgerton" established Page as the unattainable dreamboat everybody wants to be around, prime attributes for a paladin, a class requiring high charisma.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2023

That said, both channel a similar irreverence for fantasy adventures — and make an argument for always having a paladin in your party.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2023

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

Scott has, in Marmion,— "When Roland brave, and Olivier, And every paladin and peer, At Roncesvalles died!"

From Notes and Queries, Number 238, May 20, 1854 A Medium of Inter-communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, etc by Various