I. ˈpā.trən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English patroun, from Middle French patrun, patron, from Medieval Latin & Latin; Medieval Latin patronus patron of a benefice, patron saint, master, pattern, from Latin, defender, protector, advocate, from patr-, pater father — more at father
1.
a. : a person chosen, named, or honored as a special guardian, protector, or supporter
b. : patron saint
c. : a wealthy or influential supporter of an artist or writer
a patron of scholars, a grand seigneur — R.W.Southern
d. : a social or financial sponsor of an entertainment or other function (as for charity)
included among the patrons of the Junior League dance
2.
a. : one who gives of his means or uses his influence to help or benefit an individual, an institution, or a cause : benefactor
philanthropist and patron of arts — New York Times
widely known as an explorer and a patron of exploration — W.J.Ghent
b. obsolete : the declared champion of a theory, teaching, or position
a patron of anarchy — John Locke
3. : a steady or regular client: as
a. : an habitual customer of a merchant
b. : a regular client of a physician
c. : a parent or guardian of a child in a private school
d. : one who uses the services of a library and especially of a public library
4. : the master or steersman of a galley or of a river boat or coasting ship
5. obsolete : an owner of slaves or captives
6. archaic : a case for pistol cartridges
7. : the conductor or master of an atelier for the study of architectural design
8. : the holder of the right of presentation to an English ecclesiastical benefice : the owner of the advowson
9. : a Roman patrician under whose protection a client places himself
10. Roman law : a master who frees his slave but retains some rights over him — compare obsequium
11. paˈtrōⁿ : the proprietor of an establishment (as an inn) — compare patronne
12. : the chief male officer in some fraternal lodges having both men and women members — compare matron
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: probably from French patronner, from Middle French, from patron
archaic : to serve as patron of : patronize