Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Patronage
Pa′tron-age
,Noun.
[F.
patronage
. Cf. LL. patronaticum
, and L. patronatus
.] 1.
Special countenance or support; favor, encouragement, or aid, afforded to a person or a work;
as, the
patronage
of letters; patronage
given to an author.2.
Business custom.
[Commercial Cant]
3.
Guardianship, as of a saint; tutelary care.
Addison.
4.
The right of nomination to political office; also, the offices, contracts, honors, etc., which a public officer may bestow by favor.
5.
(Eng. Law)
The right of presentation to church or ecclesiastical benefice; advowson.
Blackstone.
Pa′tron-age
,Verb.
T.
To act as a patron of; to maintain; to defend.
[Obs.]
Shak.
Webster 1828 Edition
Patronage
PAT'RONAGE
,Noun.
1.
Guardianship, as of a saint.2.
Advowson; the right of presentation to a church or ecclesiastical benefice.PAT'RONAGE
,Verb.
T.