n. (fem. patroness) 1 a person who gives financial or other support to a person, cause, work of art, etc., esp. one who buys works of art. 2 a usu. regular customer of a shop etc. 3 Rom. Antiq. a the former owner of a freed slave. b the protector of a client. 4 Brit. a person who has the right of presenting a member of the clergy to a benefice. patron saint the protecting or guiding saint of a person, place, etc.
[ ME f. OF f. L patronus protector of clients, defender f. pater patris father ]