patronage meaning and definition

PATRONAGE noun

Definition of patronage (noun)

1. the act of providing approval and support
   • "his vigorous backing of the conservatives got him in trouble with progressives"
   • synonyms: backing, backup, championship
2. customers collectively
   • "they have an upper class clientele"
   • synonyms: business, clientele
3. a communication that indicates lack of respect by patronizing the recipient
   • synonyms: condescension, disdain
4. (politics) granting favors or giving contracts or making appointments to office in return for political support
5. the business given to a commercial establishment by its customers
   • "even before noon there was a considerable patronage"
   • synonyms: trade

PATRONAGE verb

Definition of patronage (verb)

1. support by being a patron of
2. be a regular customer or client of
   • "We patronize this store"; "Our sponsor kept our art studio going for as long as he could"
   • synonyms: keep going, patronise, patronize, support