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]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

padrone
    n 1: an owner or proprietor of an inn in Italy
    2: an employer who exploits Italian immigrants in the U.S.