Dictionary

patronage

noun pa·tron·age \ˈpa-trə-nij, ˈpā-\

: money and support that is given to an artist, organization, etc.

: support that is given to a business, library, etc., by buying its goods or using its services

: the power to give jobs or provide other help to people as a reward for their support

Full Definition of PATRONAGE

1
:  advowson
2
:  the support or influence of a patron
3
:  kindness done with an air of superiority
4
:  business or activity provided by patrons <the new branch library is expected to have a heavy patronage>
5
a :  the power to make appointments to government jobs especially for political advantage
b :  the distribution of jobs on the basis of patronage
c :  jobs distributed by patronage
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First Known Use of PATRONAGE

14th century
PATRONAGE Defined for Kids

patronage

noun pa·tron·age \ˈpa-trə-nij, ˈpā-trə-\

Definition of PATRONAGE for Kids

1
:  the help or business given by a supporter
2
:  a group of customers (as of a shop or theater)
3
:  the control by officials of giving out jobs, contracts, and favors

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