pa·tron (p  tr n)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-tr  n) 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 patr nus, from Latin, from pater, patr-, father; see pter- in Indo-European roots.]pa tron·al (ptr-nl) adj. |
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