(Chiefly in agricultural competitions and shows) a person, animal, or exhibit which will be named champion in the event of the winner being disqualified; a runner-up.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in The London Medical Gazette.
Definition of reserve champion in US English:
reserve champion
noun
(Chiefly in agricultural competitions and shows) a person, animal, or exhibit which will be named champion in the event of the winner being disqualified; a runner-up.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in The London Medical Gazette.