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-n^əl; British pə-ˈtrō-n^əl, pa-\ adjective

Examples of PATRON

1. She is a well-known patron of the arts.
2. <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

Related to PATRON

Synonyms

account, client, guest, customer, punter [chiefly British]

Related Words

consumer, end user, user; buyer, correspondent, purchaser, vendee; browser, prospect, shopper, window-shopper; bargainer, haggler; regular

Near Antonyms

broker, merchant, seller, vendor (also vender); shopkeeper, tradesman; black marketer (or black marketeer), fence

Rhymes with PATRON

matron