[pa.tron] n [ME, fr. MF, fr. ML & L; ML patronus patron saint, patron of a benefice, pattern, fr. L, defender, fr. patr-, pater] (14c) 1 a: a person chosen, named, or honored as a special guardian, protector, or supporter b: a wealthy or influential supporter of an artist or writer c: a social or financial sponsor of a social function (as a ball or concert)
2: one that uses wealth or influence to help an individual, an institution, or a cause
3: one who buys the goods or uses the services offered esp. by an establishment
4: the holder of the right of presentation to an English ecclesiastical benefice
5: a master in ancient times who freed his slave but retained some rights over him
6. [F, fr. MF]: the proprietor of an establishment (as an inn) esp. in France 7: the chief male officer in some fraternal lodges having both men and women members -- pa.tron.al adj