1. The act of providing approval and support
   "his vigorous patronage of the conservatives got him in trouble with progressives";
   - backing, backup, championship
    
2. The business given to a commercial establishment by its customers
   "even before noon there was a considerable patronage";
   - trade
    
3. Customers collectively
   "they have an upper class patronage";
   - clientele, business
    
4. (politics) granting favours or giving contracts or making appointments to office in return for political support
   "The newly elected mayor was accused of patronage when he appointed his campaign donors to key positions"
    
5. A communication that indicates lack of respect by patronizing the recipient
   "The wealthy donor's patronage came with an air of superiority";
   - condescension, disdain
    
6. The power to make appointments to office or grant privileges
   "The governor has extensive patronage powers"

Derived forms: patronages

Type of: approval, approving, blessing, business, depreciation, derogation, disparagement, people, social control

Encyclopedia: Patronage