Dictionary definition · patronage
noun
- the act of providing approval and support"his vigorous backing of the conservatives got him in trouble with progressives"
- customers collectively"they have an upper class clientele"
- a communication that indicates lack of respect by patronizing the recipient
- (politics) granting favors or giving contracts or making appointments to office in return for political support
- the business given to a commercial establishment by its customers"even before noon there was a considerable patronage"
verb
- support by being a patron of
- be a regular customer or client of"We patronize this store"
Similar words
Source: Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).