Definition of "patronage" in English

noun

1. The act of providing approval and support; backing; championship.

   • His vigorous patronage of the conservatives got him in trouble with progressives.

2. Customers collectively; clientele; business.

   • The restaurant had an upper-class patronage.

3. The act or state of being a customer of some business.

   • The restaurant had "Thank you for your patronage!" printed on its take-out bags.

4. A communication that indicates lack of respect by patronizing the recipient; condescension; disdain.

5. (politics) Granting favours or giving contracts or making appointments to office in return for political support.

6. Guardianship, as of a saint; tutelary care.

7. The right of nomination to political office.

8. (UK, law) The right of presentation to church or ecclesiastical benefice; advowson.

9. 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