One who fights in single combat as a trial of strength or bravery, or to decide a judicial question; a gladiator, pugilist, or professional…

A person challenged to a duel, joust, or trial by combat. Opposed to appellant, n. 1b. Cf. defender, n. 1b. Now historical and rare.

in Heraldry. ‘A figure drawn like a sword-player standing upon his guard’ (Bailey, Folio, 1736).

Hence, One who challenges another to single combat (originally to prove upon his body the treason or felony of which he ‘appealed’ him). Obsolete.

A person challenged to a duel, joust, or trial by combat; = defendant, n. 2. Obsolete.

A chief actor or doer; a principal agent. Either of the main combatants in a duel or fight, esp. as distinguished from the seconds. Now archaic or…

A person who participates in a duel or duels, or who practises duelling. Now chiefly historical.

Also, one who fights in ‘wager of battle’ in his own cause.

One who combats, a combatant.

A person who engages in a duel or duels; a duellist. Also figurative and in figurative contexts.

One who does battle; a combatant.

a man armed with or skilled at using a pistol.

A person who fights in single combat.