patronage

Definition

The act of providing approval and support; backing; championship.

Etymology

From Middle English patronage, from Old French patronage (modern French patronage). Equivalent to patron + -age. Piecewise doublet of patternage.

Example Sentences

• "His vigorous patronage of the conservatives got him in trouble with progressives."
• "The restaurant had an upper-class patronage."
• "The improved service to and from Taunton is fully justified by the passenger patronage to and from this town, which is a railhead for a large surrounding area."