Webster's English Dictionary

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patron

pa.tron \'pa--tr*n\ \'pa--tr*n-*l\ n [ME, fr. MF, fr. ML & L; ML patronus 
   patron saint, patron of a benefice,]pattern, fr. L, defender, fr. patr-, 
   pater 1a: a person chosen, named, or honored as a special guardian, 
   protector, or  supporter 1b: a wealthy or influential supporter of an 
   artist or writer  1c: a social or financial sponsor of an entertainment or 
   other function  2: one who gives of his means or uses his influence to help 
   an individual,  an institution, or a cause 3: a regular client or customer  
   4: the holder of the right of presentation to an English ecclesiastical ben 
   efice 5: a master of antiquity who frees his slave but retains some rights 
   over h im 6: the proprietor of an establishment (as an inn)  7: the chief 
   male officer in some fraternal lodges having both men and wome n members - 
   pa.tron.al aj