paladin

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paladin

History
1. one of the legendary twelve peers of Charlemagne's court
2. a knightly champion

Paladin

 

in medieval Western European literature, one of the 12 peers of the Frankish emperor Charlemagne. Later, the term came to be applied to any valorous knight devoted to his lord or lady.

The term “paladin” is also applied ironically to any person utterly devoted to an idea or person.

Paladin

archetypal gunman who leaves a calling card. [TV: Have Gun, Will Travel in Terrace, I, 341]
See: Wild West
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References in periodicals archive ?
Ganelon plots with Blancandrin the destruction of the Twelve Peers and the French host at Roncevaux.
Adelroth, the nephew of King Marsilion, Duke Falsaron, King Corsablis, Malprimis of Brigale, The Emir of Balaguet, The Lord of Moriana, Turgis of Tortelosa, Escremiz of Valteren, Estorgan, Estramarin, Margaris of Seville, and Chernubles of Munigre, King Marsilion's Twelve Champions killed by the Twelve Peers at Roncevaux.
Song of Roland
The twelve most illustrious were known as The Twelve Peers (Fr Les Douze Pairs ), but the lists of their names vary widely.
Paladins

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