patronage

Meaning

Noun

1. (countable, uncountable) The act of providing approval and support; backing; championship.
2. (countable, uncountable) Customers collectively; clientele; business.
3. (countable, uncountable) The act or state of being a customer of some business.
4. (countable, uncountable) A communication that indicates lack of respect by patronizing the recipient; condescension; disdain.
5. (countable, uncountable) Granting favours or giving contracts or making appointments to office in return for political support.
6. (countable, uncountable) Guardianship, as of a saint; tutelary care.
7. (countable, uncountable) The right of nomination to political office.
8. (UK, countable, uncountable) The right of presentation to church or ecclesiastical benefice; advowson.
9. (countable, uncountable) Patronising speech or behaviour.

Verb

1. (transitive) To support by being a patron of.
2. (transitive) To be a regular customer or client of; to patronize

Synonyms

support

protection

favour

backing

favor

clientele

sponsorship

help

assistance

backup

condescension

aid

trade

championship

contribution

sponsoring

benefaction

patronize

keep going

disdain

influence

care

guardianship

advocacy

business

shield

🛡️

safeguard

auspices

patronise

second

2nd

subvention

defence

countenance

conserve

bolster

conservation

connection

bear out

keep

bailout

assist

advantage

indorsement

indorse

helping

carry

harbour

guard

💂

goodwill

buttress

Translations

patronage

soutien

mecenazgo

patronato

clientela

mécénat

bescherming

begunstiging

πελατεία

Gönnerschaft

patrocinio

Unterstützung

Gunst

προστασία

clientèle

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈpeɪtɹənɪd͡ʒ/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: patronage

Cognate with French: patronage

In summary

From Middle English patronage, from Old French patronage (modern French patronage). Equivalent to patron + -age.