patronage

Noun · Verb
US[pat-ruh-nij]/ˈpætrənɪdʒ/3 syllablesalso [pey-truh-nuhj] /ˈpeɪtrənədʒ/, [pey-truh-nij] /ˈpeɪtrənɪdʒ/
Synonyms: backingbackupchampionshipclientelebusinesscondescensiondisdaintradepatronizepatronisesupportkeep going

Open English WordNet

Noun (5)

  1. the act of providing approval and support“his vigorous backing of the conservatives got him in trouble with progressives”Synonyms: backingbackupchampionshipType of blessing, approval
  2. customers collectively“they have an upper class clientele”Synonyms: clientelebusinessType of people
  3. a communication that indicates lack of respect by patronizing the recipientSynonyms: condescensiondisdainType of disparagement, depreciation
  4. (politics) granting favors or giving contracts or making appointments to office in return for political supportType of social controlKinds nomenklatura
  5. the business given to a commercial establishment by its customers“even before noon there was a considerable patronage”Synonyms: tradeType of businessKinds custom

Verb (2)

  1. support by being a patron ofMore general sustain, keep
  2. be a regular customer or client of“We patronize this store”“Our sponsor kept our art studio going for as long as he could”Synonyms: patronizepatronisesupportkeep goingMore general foster, nurtureSimilar run on, keep going

Related words frequenter noun

Word of the day · Oct 17About this word
ephemeranoun

What does it mean? Question 1 of today’s quiz

Advertisement

Webster's Dictionary (1913)

Pa′tron·age noun

Origin: F. patronage. Cf. LL. patronaticum, and L. patronatus.

1. Special countenance or support; favor, encouragement, or aid, afforded to a person or a work; as, the patronage of letters; patronage given to an author.

2. Business custom. Commercial Cant

3. Guardianship, as of a saint; tutelary care. Joseph Addison

4. The right of nomination to political office; also, the offices, contracts, honors, etc., which a public officer may bestow by favor.

5. English law The right of presentation to church or ecclesiastical benefice; advowson. Blackstone, Sir William

Pa′tron·age transitive verb

To act as a patron of; to maintain; to defend. obsolete William Shakespeare

Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54

Advertisement