patron
pa·tron
noun \ˈpā-trən, for 6 also pa-ˈtrōⁿ\Definition of PATRON
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 especially 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
[French, from Middle French] : the proprietor of an establishment (as an inn) especially in France
7
: the chief male officer in some fraternal lodges having both men and women members
— pa·tron·al \ˈpā-trə-nəl; British pə-ˈtrō-nəl, pa-\ adjective
See Examples of PATRON
- She is a well-known patron of the arts.
- <the wealthy philanthropist is one of the city's most generous patrons of its symphony orchestra>
Origin of PATRON
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin & Latin; Medieval Latin patronus patron saint, patron of a benefice, pattern, from Latin, defender, from patr-, pater
First Known Use: 14th century
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