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patroness

 - 2 dictionary results

pa⋅tron⋅ess

[pey-truh-nis]
–noun
a woman who protects, supports, or sponsors someone or something.

Origin:
1375–1425; late ME patronesse female patron saint < OF


See -ess.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010.
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pa·tron·ess   (pā'trə-nĭs)   
n.  
  1. A woman who supports, protects, or champions someone or something, such as an institution, event, or cause; a sponsor or benefactor.

  2. A woman who possesses the right to grant an ecclesiastical benefice to a member of the clergy.

  3. A patron saint. See Usage Note at -ess.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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