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.
Phrases and idioms:
patron saint the protecting or guiding saint of a person, place, etc.
Etymology: ME f. OF f. L patronus protector of clients, defender f. pater patris father