patroness
patroness Lexical Profile
patroness Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A woman who provides financial, social, or moral support to a person, organization, cause, or art form.
"The wealthy duchess served as a generous patroness to several emerging Renaissance painters and composers."
A female saint or goddess regarded as the special guardian or protector of a particular place, group, or activity.
"Saint Cecilia has long been venerated as the patroness of musicians and sacred music."
A female customer or regular client of a store, restaurant, hotel, or theater.
"Every patroness at the opening night gala received a commemorative program upon entering the lobby."
Word Nuance & Usage
In contemporary English, the gender-neutral term 'patron' is widely preferred over 'patroness', which is now largely restricted to historical or religious contexts.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English patronesse, borrowed from Old French patronesse, the feminine derivative of patron (from Latin patronus, meaning 'protector' or 'defender', derived from pater, meaning 'father').