n.
Pronunciation: ' pa-tr ə -nij, ' p ā -
Function: noun
Date: 14th century
1 : ADVOWSON
2 : the support or influence of a patron
3 : kindness done with an air of superiority
4 : business or activity provided by patrons <the new branch library is expected to have a heavy patronage >
5 a : the power to make appointments to government jobs especially for political advantage b : the distribution of jobs on the basis of patronage c : jobs distributed by patronage