Păt'ron-ize, v. t.
(Synop., § 130), v. t. [imp. & p. p. PATRONIZED; p. pr. & vb. n. PATRONIZING.] [O. Fr. patroniser, to be captain of a ship.]
Sense 1. To act as patron toward; to support; to countenance; to defend; to favor; to maintain.
This idea has been patronized by two states only. Hamilton.
Sense 2. Hence, to assume the air of a patron, or of a superior and protector toward;—used in an unfavorable sense.