champaign

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   literary or archaic: an extensive area of level, open countryside; a plain

   After crossing the forest, the riders emerged onto a broad champaign beneath the evening sky.

2. 2
   adj

   literary or archaic: level, open, and largely without trees

   From the ridge they surveyed the champaign country stretching eastward.

From Middle English champaine, through Anglo-French champaigne, from Late Latin campania, 'level open country,' ultimately related to Latin campus, 'field.' Campaign is a close relative. Champaign is distinct in spelling and meaning from champagne, the wine.

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