Patron

n. [Lat. patronus, from pater, patris, a father; Gr. πάτρων, πάτρωνος, Fr., Pr., & Sp. patron, Pg. patrono, It. patrone, padrone.]

1Sense 1. (Rom. Antiq.) A master who had freed his slave, and retained some rights over him after his emancipation; also, a man of distinction under whose protection another placed himself.

2Sense 2. Hence, one who countenances, supports, or protects; an advocate; a defender; one who specially countenances and supports, or lends aid to advance. “Patron of my life and liberty.” Shak.

3Sense 3. (Canon or Common Law.) One who has the gift and disposition of a benefice.

4Sense 4. (Naut.) The commander of a small vessel or passage-boat; also, one who steers a ship’s long-boat.

a. Giving aid or exercising guardianship; as, a patron god. Dryden.

Patron saint (Rom. Cath. Church), a saint regarded as the peculiar protector of a country, community, profession, &c., or of an individual.