patronage
patronage Lexical Profile
patronage Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The support, encouragement, or financial aid given by a patron to an artist, organization, or cause.
"During the Renaissance, wealthy families provided generous patronage to painters, sculptors, and musicians."
The regular business or custom given to a store, restaurant, hotel, or other commercial establishment by its customers.
"The neighborhood bakery thanked its loyal customers for their continued patronage over the past twenty years."
The power to control appointments to government offices or the right to grant political privileges and favors.
"Civil service reforms were enacted to replace political patronage with merit-based hiring."
A superior, condescending, or offensively polite manner toward others.
"She declined his offer of help because she resented the subtle patronage in his tone."
• Rhymes for patronage
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French patronage, a derivative of patron ('protector, defender'), which traces back to Latin patronus ('protector of clients or freedmen'), from pater ('father').