Webster's English Dictionary

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patronage

pa.tron.age \'pa-tr*-nij, 'pa--\ n 1: ADVOWSON  2: the support or influence 
   of a patron  3: kindness done with an air of superiority  4: the trade of 
   customers  5a: the power to make appointments to government jobs on a basis 
   other than  merit alone 5b: the distribution of jobs on this basis  5c: the 
   jobs so distributed