The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Padrone \Pa*dro"ne\, n.; pl. It. Padroni, E. Padrones. [It. See Patron.] 1. A patron; a protector. [1913 Webster] 2. The master of a small coaster in the Mediterranean. [1913 Webster] 3. A man who imports, and controls the earnings of, Italian laborers, street musicians, etc. [1913 Webster]