■ noun
1》 a person or organization that pays for or contributes to the costs of an event or broadcast in return for advertising.
2》 a person who pledges a sum of money to a charity after another person has participated in a fund-raising event.
3》 a person who introduces and supports a proposal for legislation.
4》 a person taking official responsibility for the actions of another.
↘a godparent at a child's baptism.
↘(especially in the Roman Catholic Church) a person who presents a candidate for confirmation.
■ verb be a ~ for.
Derivatives
~ship noun
Origin
C17: from L., from spondere 'promise solemnly'.