a person who is a customer, client, or paying guest, esp. a regular one, of a store, hotel, or the like.
2.
a person who supports with money, gifts, efforts, or endorsement an artist, writer, museum, cause, charity, institution, special event, or the like: a patron of the arts; patrons of the annual Democratic dance.
3.
a person whose support or protection is solicited or acknowledged by the dedication of a book or other work.
One that supports, protects, or champions someone or something, such as an institution, event, or cause; a sponsor or benefactor: a patron of the arts.
A customer, especially a regular customer.
also (pä-trōn') The owner or manager of an establishment, especially a restaurant or an inn of France or Spain.
A noble or wealthy person in ancient Rome who granted favor and protection to someone in exchange for certain services.
A slave owner in ancient Rome who freed a slave without relinquishing all legal claim to him.
One who possesses the right to grant an ecclesiastical benefice to a member of the clergy.
A patron saint.
[Middle English, from Old French, from Medieval Latin patrōnus, from Latin, from pater, patr-, father; see pəter- in Indo-European roots.] pa'tron·al (pā'trə-nəl) adj.
[pey-truh
n] 