cli'ent, n.

n. [Lat. cliens, gen. clientis, for cluens, one who hears, a client, from O. Lat. cluere, Gr. κλύειν, to hear; Fr. client, It. & Sp. cliente.]

1. (Rom. Antiq.) A citizen who put himself under the protection of a man of distinction and influence, who, in respect to that relation, was called his patron. Hence,
2. A dependent; one under the protection of another.
3. One who applies to a lawyer or counselor for advice and direction in a question of law, or commits his cause to his management in prosecuting a claim, or defending a suit, in a court of justice.

Advocates must deal plainly with their clients, and tell the true state of their case. Bp. Taylor.