patron

patron is a   Noun

Definition:

[1] One who protects, supports, or countenances; a defender. "Patron of my life and liberty." Shak. "The patron of true holiness." Spenser.

[2] A master who had freed his slave, but still retained some paternal rights over him.

[3] A man of distinction under whose protection another person placed himself.

[4] An advocate or pleader. Let him who works the client wrong Beware the patron`s ire. Macaulay.

[5] One who encourages or helps a person, a cause, or a work; a furtherer; a promoter; as, a patron of art.

[6] One who has gift and disposition of a benefice. [Eng.]

[7] A guardian saint. -- called also patron saint.

[8] See Padrone, 2. Patrons of Husbandry, the grangers. See Granger, 2.

Synonyms: