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patron Definition

pa·tron (pā′trən)

noun

  1. a person empowered with the granting of an English church benefice
  2. patron saint
  3. a person corresponding in some respects to a father; protector; benefactor
  4. a person, usually a wealthy and influential one, who sponsors and supports some person, activity, institution, etc. the patrons of the orchestra
  5. a regular customer, as of a store
  6. in ancient Rome, a person who had freed a slave but still retained a certain paternal control over the slave

Etymology: ME patroun < OFr patrun, patron < ML & L: ML(Ec) patronus, patron saint, patron < L, a protector, defender < pater, father

patron Synonyms

patron

n.

  1. One who provides support

    philanthropist, sponsor, benefactor, benefactress, Maecenas, helper, protector, encourager, supporter, champion, backer, financer, funder, patronizer, advocate, defender, guide, leader, friend, ally, sympathizer, well-wisher, partisan, employer, buyer, angel*, sugar daddy*, booster*, philanthropoid*; see also supporter.

    Antonyms enemy*, obstructionist*, adversary. *

  2. One who uses facilities

    client, habitué, purchaser; see buyer. See syn. study at sponsor.

patron Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • benefice: Patronage The patron of each benefice is listed under the benefice name.
  • art: Program where juvenile source of news patrons of the arts.
  • living: The patrons of the living were also charged with compelling others to become soldiers for the king.
  • charity: A champion for the disabled, she was a patron of the charity Brain Tumor Action.

Converse of object

  • become: He became a medical patron of STARS in 2000.
  • assist: At the end of each walkway there is a small lobby area where ushers are on hand to assist patrons with finding their seats.
  • invite: We also invite patrons to some of our social events, which are usually great fun.

Adjective modifier

  • wealthy: At the same time, however, wealthy patrons demanded a wider range of luxury goods.
  • aristocratic: Until the mid-18th century wealthy aristocratic patrons and royalty were the individuals who were generally painted.
  • walk-in: Authorized Users are faculty, staff, students and walk-in patrons of its libraries.
  • honorary: Opinions have been expressed that it might be appropriate for the Forum to have an honorary patron.
  • generous: Willing and generous patrons have overcome that, as will be gathered from a preceding note about drainage.
  • royal: Diligent search was made for the oldest and most authentic texts with the support of the royal patrons.

Modifies a noun

  • saint: Many towns have their own patron saint, whose story is closely involved with the place.
  • deity: Each has been retained as a patron deity by the relevant race, although these are not the main focus of religious veneration.
  • goddess: Brigit is surely the patron goddess of all grieving parents.
  • god: He was patron god of the calendar sign Reed.

Noun used with modifier

  • saidother: Garcia saidother patrons relating to cash of my listmost.
  • chef: Nigel Haworth is chef patron at Northcote Manor, and opened the Three Fishes pub in Lancashireâs Ribble Valley last year.
  • wheelchair: These seats are situated in Side Balcony A ( except for wheelchair patrons ) and are available on a first come first served basis.