challenger
(ˈtʃælɪndʒə(r))
[f. challenge v. + -er1.]
One who challenges, in various senses: spec. † a. An accuser; a plaintiff, claimant. Obs.
| [1292 Britton i. xvi. §3 Et la chose soit deliveré au chalengeour.] 1382 Wyclif Job xxxv. 9 For the multitude of chalengeres [1388 fals chalengeris; Vulg. calumniatorum] thei shul crie. c 1449 Pecock Repr. v. xiv. 559 If the chalenger wole contynue in his chalenging. 1600 Holland Livy iii. xliv. 117 The plaintife or challenger [petitor] declareth against her. 1612 Brerewood Lang. & Relig. xxv. 217 The other challenger of the same dignity. 1839 Stonehouse Axholme 144 If the challenger could neither ascertain his property, nor proue his accusation. |
b. One who defies; one who calls upon another to fight, or to any trial or contest.
| 1511 in Ellis Orig. Lett. ii. lx. I. 181 It shall be lefull for the iiij chalengers to enter the felde the seconde daye. 1600 Shakes. A.Y.L. i. ii. 180 Haue you challeng'd Charles the Wrastler? No faire Princesse: he is the generall challenger. 1622 Rowlands Good Newes & B. 41, I..challenge thee to meet on Callis sand..This challenge past, the challenger at Douer, Imbarks for Callis. 1697 Collier Ess. Mor. Subj. i. (1709) 140 The Challenger is punished as well as the Challenged. 1854 Emerson Lett. & Soc. Aims, Eloquence Wks. (Bohn) III. 187 He is the challenger, and must answer all comers. |