paladino

champion; defender

noun pah-lah-DEE-noh Rare

Origin: From Palatine (the imperial palace), via Old French paladin, denoting Charlemagne's legendary knights.

Also means

paladin; knight

Usage Note

Paladino originally referred to one of Charlemagne's twelve legendary knights (the Paladins), and in modern Italian it is used figuratively for a staunch defender of a cause: paladino della giustizia (champion of justice). It is almost always used in a positive, slightly elevated register. Feminine paladina exists but is rare.

Examples

"Si è sempre comportato da paladino della libertà."

Natural Translation

He has always acted as a champion of freedom.

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