patronage

Short definition from Wiktionary

Noun

1. 1
   The act of providing approval and support; backing; championship.
2. 2
   Customers collectively; clientele; business.
3. 3
   The act or state of being a customer of some business.
4. 4
   A communication that indicates lack of respect by patronizing the recipient; condescension; disdain.
5. 5
   Granting favours or giving contracts or making appointments to office in return for political support.
6. 6
   Guardianship, as of a saint; tutelary care.
7. 7
   The right of nomination to political office.
8. 8
   The right of presentation to church or ecclesiastical benefice; advowson.
9. 9
   Patronising speech or behaviour.

Verb

1. 1
   To support by being a patron of.
2. 2
   To be a regular customer or client of; to patronize