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

This time the task wasn’t limited to creating uniquely designed characters inhabiting a single universe, but entire worlds based on the myriad comic book sagas that have reinterpreted Stan Lee and Steve Ditko’s arachnid paladin.

From New York Times • Jun. 1, 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

Regé-Jean Page’s Xenk is one who is at first treated with mistrust, but fans will know that a paladin knight ultimately fights for good.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2023

You dress up as an elf warlock or half-orc paladin.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 26, 2018

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