patron

Từ điển American Heritage Dictionary 4th

pa·tron (pāʹtrən)n.
1. One that supports, protects, or champions someone or something, such as an institution, event, or cause; a sponsor or benefactor:
a patron of the arts.
2. A customer, especially a regular customer.
3. (also pä-trōnʹ) The owner or manager of an establishment, especially a restaurant or an inn of France or Spain.
4.
a. A noble or wealthy person in ancient Rome who granted favor and protection to someone in exchange for certain services.
b. A slave owner in ancient Rome who freed a slave without relinquishing all legal claim to him.
5. One who possesses the right to grant an ecclesiastical benefice to a member of the clergy.
6. A patron saint. [Middle English, from Old French, from Medieval Latin patrōnus, from Latin, from pater, patr-, father. See pəter- in Indo-European Roots.] paʹtron·al (pāʹtrə-nəl) adj.

• Từ đồng nghĩa / Synonyms:
  sponsor, supporter, frequenter