PATRON

noun Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin & Latin; Medieval Latin ~us ~ saint, ~ of a benefice, pattern, from Latin, defender, from patr-, pater Date: 14th century 1. a person chosen, named, or honored as a special guardian, protector, or supporter, a wealthy or influential supporter of an artist or writer, a social or financial sponsor of a social function (as a ball or concert), one that uses wealth or influence to help an individual, an institution, or a cause, one who buys the goods or uses the services offered especially by an establishment, the holder of the right of presentation to an English ecclesiastical benefice, a master in ancient times who freed his slave but retained some rights over him, the proprietor of an establishment (as an inn) especially in France, the chief male officer in some fraternal lodges having both men and women members, ~al adjective