What is the meaning of Paladin?

This question is one I have been asked for quiet sometime now which is why I' m now finally answering it.
The word 'Paladin' derived from the latin word 'palatinus' which means "Attached to the Palace".
Paladins have two nations in which they supported (or rather the supposed founding farther of both) these nations were France and Germany. Charles the great is supposedly the king (later emperor) that originally supported the Paladins and swore Roland (a very renowned Paladin Hero). Charles the great became Emperor Augustus in Rome on Christmas Day 800 A.D. by Pope Leo III and is therefore regarded as founder of the HolyRoman Empire.
The stories of Paladins rivaled the tales of King Arthur and his Round Table, but they seemed to have lost their ground over the course of time. They were always displayed as warriors that would not give ground to the enemy, sadly those enemies in those times were religious.
Today paladins are connected with vailent-hero(s) and/or particular loyal companion(s), they were known to right the wrong and defend the helpless and oppressed.
Most people now know paladins only from movies, games (PC, Console and Roleplay).
In these they are usually represented as warriors of god...

I personally see define Paladins as follows: A paladin supports anyone who is in need of help. A paladin is willing to follow strict ideals, does not waver from these ideals even if that leads to danger for the paladin.