<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>the financial support or business provided to a store, hotel, or the like, by customers, clients, or paying guests.</li><li>Synonyms: trade, commerce, custom.</li><li>patrons collectively; clientele.</li><li>the control of or power to make appointments to government jobs or the power to grant other political favors.</li><li>offices, jobs, or other favors so controlled.</li><li>the distribution of jobs and favors on a political basis, as to those who have supported one's party or political campaign.</li><li>a condescending manner or attitude in granting favors, in dealing with people, etc.; condescension: an air of patronage toward his business subordinates.</li><li>the position, encouragement, influence, or support of a patron, as toward an artist, institution, etc.</li><li>the right of presentation to an ecclesiastical benefice; advowson.</li></ul>