figurative and transferred. One who in any kind of contest or conflict acts as the acknowledged defender of a person, cause, or side: one who…

= propugner, n.

A defender, a champion; a vigorous advocate.

A person who strives or argues vigorously for a cause, principle, person, party, etc. Obsolete.

A person (usually a man) who comes to the assistance or defence of another person, esp. one who appears unexpectedly; a defender or champion. Also…

A defender, champion.

one who makes an obstinate stand (for).

A person who sticks up for a person or thing; an advocate, a defender.

In plural. In extended use and figurative. The driving force of an activity or movement; a group leading a vigorous challenge or defence. Cf. shock…

In extended use and figurative. The driving force of an activity or movement; a vigorous advocate or defender of a cause. Chiefly in plural.