The word "锦标赛" is formed by conceptually combining two ideas: "锦标" (jǐnbiāo), which historically refers to a brocade banner or flag awarded as the top prize in a contest, symbolizing supreme honor and victory, with "赛" (sài), meaning a match, competition, or tournament. Thus, the term literally and figuratively constructs the meaning of a "championship tournament" by evoking the image of a specific, prestigious contest where the ultimate prize, the brocade banner, is vied for and awarded to the ultimate victor.