释义 |
patron·age I. \ˈpa.trənij, ˈpā.-\ noun (-s) Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from patron + -age 1. : the right of presentation to an ecclesiastical benefice originally carrying with it the obligation to protect the rights of the church within the parish : advowson 2. a. : the support or influence of a patron; especially : a benefactor's provision (as for an artist or institution) < the patronage of science by and through universities is its most proper form — J.R.Oppenheimer > b. archaic : defense, protection c. obsolete : advocacy 3. : the tutelary care or guardianship of a deity or saint 4. : kindness done with an air of superiority : condescending favor < accept patronage? … Never — Marguerite Steen > 5. : the trade of customers < though it was not yet noon, there was a considerable patronage — C.B.Kelland > 6. : the right to appoint to government jobs : control of political appointments < oust his enemies from office and use the patronage to support his policies — H.K.Beale > II. transitive verb (-ed/-ing/-s) : to act as patron of : maintain, defend |