propugn
/prə(ʊ)ˈpjuːn/Now rare
verb
[with object] To fight or contend for or on behalf of (someone or something); to defend, champion, or vindicate (an opinion, doctrine, etc.). Also occasionally without object: to fight.
Origin
Late Middle English; earliest use found in Mirour of Mans Saluacioune. From classical Latin prōpugnāre to fight in defence of a position, to defend from prō- + pugnāre to fight.