ETYM Latin cliens, -emtis, for cluens, one who hears (in relation to his protector), a client, from Latin cluere to be named or called; akin to Greek akouein to hear, Skr. çry, and Eng. loud: cf. French client. Related to Loud.
A person who seeks the advice of a lawyer.

ETYM A doublet of customary, a.: cf. Late Lat. custumarius toll gatherer. Related to Custom.
Someone who pays for goods or services; SYN. client.