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patron

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The definition of a patron is a regular customer of an establishment or someone who provides financial support to some person or cause, such as a patron of the arts.

(noun)

An example of a patron is a person who goes to eat at the same restaurant every week.
An example of a patron is a wealthy lady who gives a lot of money to a small local art gallery.

See patron in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

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

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

See patron in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

One that supports, protects, or champions someone or something, such as an institution, event, or cause; a sponsor or benefactor: a patron of the arts.
A customer, especially a regular customer.
also (pä-trōnˈ) The owner or manager of an establishment, especially a restaurant or an inn of France or Spain.
a. A noble or wealthy person in ancient Rome who granted favor and protection to someone in exchange for certain services.
b. A slave owner in ancient Rome who freed a slave without relinquishing all legal claim to him.
One who possesses the right to grant an ecclesiastical benefice to a member of the clergy.
A patron saint.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Medieval Latin patrōnus

Origin: , from Latin

Origin: , from pater, patr-, father; see pəter- in Indo-European roots

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