mə̇ˈsēnəs, mēˈ- also mīˈ- noun
( -es )
Usage: usually capitalized
Etymology: Latin, after Gaius Maecenas died 8 B.C. Roman statesman and patron of literature
: a generous benefactor ; especially : a munificent patron of literature or art
opera has never really paid its way anywhere, but in Europe government subventions have replaced the … vanished Maecenases — James Hinton