I. ˈpa.trənij, ˈpā.- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from patron + -age
1. : the right of presentation to an ecclesiastical benefice originally carrying with it the obligation to protect the rights of the church within the parish : advowson
2.
a. : the support or influence of a patron ; especially : a benefactor's provision (as for an artist or institution)
the patronage of science by and through universities is its most proper form — J.R.Oppenheimer
b. archaic : defense , protection
c. obsolete : advocacy
3. : the tutelary care or guardianship of a deity or saint
4. : kindness done with an air of superiority : condescending favor
accept patronage ? … Never — Marguerite Steen
5. : the trade of customers
though it was not yet noon, there was a considerable patronage — C.B.Kelland
6. : the right to appoint to government jobs : control of political appointments
oust his enemies from office and use the patronage to support his policies — H.K.Beale
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to act as patron of : maintain , defend