PATRON
Pa"tron, a.
Defn: Doing the duty of a patron; giving aid or protection; tutelary. Dryden. Patron saint (R. C. Ch.), a saint regarded as the peculiar protector of a country, community, church, profession, etc., or of an individual.
PATRONAGE Pa"tron*age, n. Etym: [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. Addison.
4. The right of nomination to political office; also, the offices, contracts, honors, etc., which a public officer may bestow by favor.
5. (Eng. Law)
Defn: The right of presentation to church or ecclesiastical benefice; advowson. Blackstone.
PATRONAGE
Pa"tron*age, v. t.