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