n. & v.
--n.
1. a person who supports an activity done for charity by pledging money in advance.
2 a a person or organization that promotes or supports an artistic or sporting activity etc. b esp. US a business organization that promotes a broadcast programme in return for advertising time.
3 an organization lending support to an election candidate.
4 a person who introduces a proposal for legislation.
5 a godparent at baptism or esp. RC Ch. a person who presents a candidate for confirmation.
6 a person who makes himself or herself responsible for another.
--v.tr. be a sponsor for.
Derivatives:
sponsorial adj. sponsorship n.
Etymology: L (as SPONSION)