patronage

[ pey-truh-nij, pa‐ ]
/ ˈpeɪ trə nɪdʒ, ˈpæ‐ /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR patronage ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

Origin of patronage

1350–1400; Middle English < Middle French; see patron, -age

OTHER WORDS FROM patronage

pro·pa·tron·age, adjective

Words nearby patronage

patrologist, patrology, patrolwoman, patron, patron saint, patronage, patroness, patronize, patronizing, patronne, patronym

Words related to patronage

financing, backing, encouragement, sponsorship, subsidy, aegis, auspices, cronyism, championship, help, grant, support, advocacy, protection, recommendation, aid, promotion, benefaction, assistance, guardianship

Example sentences from the Web for patronage

British Dictionary definitions for patronage

patronage
/ (ˈpætrənɪdʒ) /

noun

  1. the support given or custom brought by a patron or patroness
  2. the position of a patron
(in politics)
  1. the practice of making appointments to office, granting contracts, etc
  2. the favours so distributed
  1. a condescending manner
  2. any kindness done in a condescending way
Christianity the right to present a clergyman to a benefice

Cultural definitions for patronage

patronage
[ (pay-truh-nij, pat-ruh-nij) ]

The power of a government official or leader to make appointments and offer favors. Once in office, a politician can use patronage to build a loyal following. Though practiced at all levels of government, patronage is most often associated with the machine politics of big cities. (See spoils system.)