patronage
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.pa·tron·age
noun \ˈpa-trə-nij, ˈpā-\Definition of PATRONAGE
1
: advowson
2
: the support or influence of a patron
3
: kindness done with an air of superiority
4
: business or activity provided by patrons <the new branch library is expected to have a heavy patronage>
5
a : the power to make appointments to government jobs especially for political advantage b : the distribution of jobs on the basis of patronage c : jobs distributed by patronage
See Examples of PATRONAGE
- The college relied on the patronage of its wealthy graduates to expand its funds.
- They thanked her for her patronage of the new hospital.
- The city should do more to encourage patronage of local businesses.
- a system of political patronage
First Known Use of PATRONAGE
14th century
Related to PATRONAGE
- Synonyms
- aegis (also egis), backing, auspice, sponsorship
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