Definition of patronage
1
: advowson
2
: the support or influence of a patron
- the patronage of science by universities
3
: kindness done with an air of superiority
- The prince deigned to bestow his patronage on the composer.
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
- oust his enemies from office and use the patronage to support his policies
- —H. K. Beale
b
: the distribution of jobs on the basis of patronage
- The governor filled the vacated positions through patronage.
c
: jobs distributed by patronage
- the government's vast network of patronage
