释义 |
pa·tron I. \ˈpā.trən\ noun (-s) Etymology: Middle English patroun, from Middle French patrun, patron, from Medieval Latin & Latin; Medieval Latin patronus patron of a benefice, patron saint, master, pattern, from Latin, defender, protector, advocate, from patr-, pater father — more at father 1. a. : a person chosen, named, or honored as a special guardian, protector, or supporter b. : patron saint c. : a wealthy or influential supporter of an artist or writer < a patron of scholars, a grand seigneur — R.W.Southern > d. : a social or financial sponsor of an entertainment or other function (as for charity) < included among the patrons of the Junior League dance > 2. a. : one who gives of his means or uses his influence to help or benefit an individual, an institution, or a cause : benefactor < philanthropist and patron of arts — New York Times > < widely known as an explorer and a patron of exploration — W.J.Ghent > b. obsolete : the declared champion of a theory, teaching, or position < a patron of anarchy — John Locke > 3. : a steady or regular client: as a. : an habitual customer of a merchant b. : a regular client of a physician c. : a parent or guardian of a child in a private school d. : one who uses the services of a library and especially of a public library 4. : the master or steersman of a galley or of a river boat or coasting ship 5. obsolete : an owner of slaves or captives 6. archaic : a case for pistol cartridges 7. : the conductor or master of an atelier for the study of architectural design 8. : the holder of the right of presentation to an English ecclesiastical benefice : the owner of the advowson 9. : a Roman patrician under whose protection a client places himself 10. Roman law : a master who frees his slave but retains some rights over him — compare obsequium 11. \paˈtrōⁿ\ : the proprietor of an establishment (as an inn) — compare patronne 12. : the chief male officer in some fraternal lodges having both men and women members — compare matron II. transitive verb (-ed/-ing/-s) Etymology: probably from French patronner, from Middle French, from patron archaic : to serve as patron of : patronize |