patron
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.
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