Crossword Genius

Noble champion and mate having a row (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

paladin

'noble champion' is the definition.
(type of medieval knight)

'mate having a row' is the wordplay.
'mate' becomes 'pal' (both can mean a friend).
'having' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'row' becomes 'din' (both can mean a loud disturbance).
'pal'+'a'+'din'='PALADIN'

'and' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for paladin that I've seen before include "hero" , "Heroic knight - aid plan (anag)" , "Knightly champion" , "paragon" , "Chivalrous knight" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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