patron saint

patron saint

noun

Definition of PATRON SAINT

1

: a saint to whose protection and intercession a person, a society, a church, or a place is dedicated

2

: an original leader or prime exemplar

Examples of PATRON SAINT

1. St. David is the patron saint of Wales.
2. St. Christopher is the patron saint of travelers.
3. The success of her books has made her the patron saint of a new literary movement.

First Known Use of PATRON SAINT

1717

Related to PATRON SAINT

Synonyms

beau ideal, classic, eidolon, exemplar, idea, model, nonesuch, nonpareil, paragon, ideal

Related Words

role model; embodiment, epitome, incarnation, manifestation, personification, phantom, pink; archetype, example, mirror, paradigm, pattern; guideline, principle, rule; gauge (also gage), standard, touchstone; essence, quintessence; acme, apex, apotheosis, culmination, peak, pinnacle, summit, zenith

Rhymes with PATRON SAINT

head restraint, plaster saint, unconstraint, unrestraint

patron saint

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Saint to whose protection and intercession a person, society, church, place, profession, or activity is dedicated. The choice is usually made on the basis of some real or presumed relationship (e.g., St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland because he is credited with introducing Christianity there).