(~s, patronizing, ~d)
Note: in BRIT, also use 'patronise'
1.
If someone ~s you, they speak or behave towards you in a way which seems friendly, but which shows that they think they are superior to you in some way.
Don’t you ~ me!...
Cornelia often felt patronised by her tutors.
VERB: V n, V-ed disapproval
2.
Someone who ~s artists, writers, or musicians supports them and gives them money. (FORMAL)
The Japanese Imperial family patronises the Japanese Art Association.
VERB: V n
3.
If someone ~s a place such as a pub, bar, or hotel, they are one of its customers. (FORMAL)
The ladies of Berne liked to ~ the Palace for tea and little cakes.
= frequent
VERB: V n