The word 'titlist' is a modern English compound, formed by directly combining the noun 'title' with the agent suffix '-ist'. 'Title' itself has a long journey, originating from the Latin titulus, meaning a placard or inscription, which evolved to denote a name of honor or rank. The suffix '-ist', entering English via Latin and Greek, consistently forms nouns indicating a person associated with a specific practice or status. Therefore, the literal construction "title-holder" logically yields the modern meaning of a champion or one who has won a titular honor, most commonly used in the context of sports.

Structure: title (championship) + ist (person who does or is) - title: From Old English titul, from Latin titulus (inscription, label, title of honor). In this compound, it carries the sense of "championship" or "honorific designation." - ist: A suffix of Greek origin (via Latin -ista, Greek -ιστής), denoting a person who practices, is concerned with, or holds a certain doctrine or title.