Množina: patrons

ETYM French, from Latin patronus, from pater a father. Related to Paternal, Patroon, Padrone, Pattern.
1. Someone who supports or champions something; SYN. sponsor, supporter.
2. A regular customer; SYN. attender, frequenter.
3. (Italian) The proprietor of an inn; SYN. patronne.

Množina: patron saints

1. A saint who is considered to be a defender of some group or nation.
2. An original leader or prime exemplar

Množina: patronages

ETYM French patronage. Related to Late Lat. patronaticum, and Latin patronatus.
(Politics) Granting favors or giving contracts or making appointments to office in return for political support.
Power to give a favored appointment to an office or position in politics, business, or the church; or sponsorship of the arts. Patronage was for centuries bestowed mainly by individuals (in Europe often royal or noble) or by the church.
In the 20th century, patrons have tended to be political parties, the state, and—in the arts—private industry and foundations.

To support by being a patron of.

ETYM Latin patronalis; cf. French patronal.
Patron; protecting; favoring.

Množina: patronesses

ETYM Cf. French patronnesse.
A woman who is a patron.

Alternate (chiefly British) spelling of patronize.

(Alternate spelling: patronise).
1. To be a customer or client of; SYN. patronage, support.
2. To do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of; SYN. shop, shop at, buy at, frequent, sponsor.
3. To treat condescendingly; SYN. condescend.

Having patronage or clients.

Množina: patronizers

Person who patronizes; supporter; sponsor; regular client (also patroniser)

Množina: patronizings

Množina: patronyms

Name derived from father's name.

ETYM Latin patronymicus, Greek; pater father + onom name: cf. French patronymique.
Of a patronymic name.