■ noun
1》 a person using the services of a professional person or organization.
2》 (in a network) a computer or workstation that obtains information and applications from a server.
↘(also ~ application or program ) a computer program that obtains a service provided by another program.
3》 (in ancient Rome) a plebeian under the protection of a patrician.
↘ archaic a dependant; a hanger-on.
Derivatives
~ship noun
Origin
ME (orig. denoting a person under the protection and patronage of another): from L. cliens , ~- , var. of cluent- , cluere 'hear or obey'.