- (n.) The right of nomination to political office; also, the offices, contracts, honors, etc., which a public officer may bestow by favor.
- (n.) Guardianship, as of a saint; tutelary care.
- (v.t.) To act as a patron of; to maintain; to defend.
- (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.) The right of presentation to church or ecclesiastical benefice; advowson.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
| APA | Webster's. (2011). patronage. Retrieved May 22, 2013, from http://smartdefine.org/patronage/definitions/2042732 |
| Chicago | Webster's. 2011. "patronage" http://smartdefine.org/patronage/definitions/2042732 (accessed May 22, 2013). |
| Harvard | Webster's 2011, patronage, Smart Define, viewed 22 May, 2013, <http://smartdefine.org/patronage/definitions/2042732>. |
| MLA | Webster's. "patronage" 27 May 2011. Web. 22 May 2013. <http://smartdefine.org/patronage/definitions/2042732> |