Definition of patronage

• n. - Special countenance or support; favor, encouragement, or aid, afforded to a person or a work; as, the patronage of letters; patronage given to an author.
• n. - Business custom.
• n. - Guardianship, as of a saint; tutelary care.
• n. - The right of nomination to political office; also, the offices, contracts, honors, etc., which a public officer may bestow by favor.
• n. - The right of presentation to church or ecclesiastical benefice; advowson.
• v. t. - To act as a patron of; to maintain; to defend.