patron

Less common meanings

4. 4
   appoints priestsnounUKcountable

   A person who has the right to choose the priest for a church.

   The patron of the village church chose the new priest last spring.

   When the old priest retired, the patron had to name someone new.

   Note
5. 5
   nounobsoletehistorical

   In the past, a person who owned land or property and had power over the people on it.

   Half-a-dozen little boys carried it to the inn, where I had to explain to the patron, in my best Spanish, that we wanted a carriage to go to the baths, seven leagues off.

   1879, Annie Allnutt Brassey, A Voyage in the "Sunbeam"Here, patron means the owner or landlord who runs the place.

   Note
6. 6
   former masternounhistoricalcountable

   In ancient Rome, a master who freed a slave but still kept some rights over that person.

   After he was freed, Felix still worked two days each week for his patron.

   In ancient Rome, a freed slave still owed duties to his patron.

   Note
7. 7
   verbobsoletetransitive

   To give support, money, or protection to a person or their work.

   a good cause needs not to be patroned by passion

   1642, [Thomas Browne], Religio MediciHere, patroned means supported or favored.

   Note
8. 8
   verbobsoletetransitive

   To treat someone as your patron or protector.
9. 9
   nounrare

   The captain or master of a small boat, especially in the Mediterranean Sea.