patronage

[pey-truh-nij, pa‑]

noun

1. the financial support or business provided to a store, hotel, or the like, by customers, clients, or paying guests.

   Synonyms: trade, commerce, custom

2. patrons collectively; clientele.

3. the control of or power to make appointments to government jobs or the power to grant other political favors.

4. offices, jobs, or other favors so controlled.

5. the distribution of jobs and favors on a political basis, as to those who have supported one's party or political campaign.

6. a condescending manner or attitude in granting favors, in dealing with people, etc.; condescension.

   an air of patronage toward his business subordinates.

7. the position, encouragement, influence, or support of a patron, as toward an artist, institution, etc.

8. the right of presentation to an ecclesiastical benefice; advowson.

patronage

/ ˈpætrənɪdʒ /

noun

1. 1. the support given or custom brought by a patron or patroness

   2. the position of a patron

2. 1. the practice of making appointments to office, granting contracts, etc

   2. the favours so distributed

3. 1. a condescending manner

   2. any kindness done in a condescending way

4. Christianity the right to present a clergyman to a benefice

patronage

1. 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.)

Other Word Forms

• propatronage adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of patronage¹

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

Example Sentences

Reputedly, he kept copies of Austen’s works in all his residences, and her dedication of “Emma” was a response to well-wishers hoping the author might benefit from royal patronage.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

At the time of her patronage, the princess said she was "looking forward to supporting Borne and its programme of ground-breaking research".

Read more on BBC

He talked of governance, jobs, forced migration for jobs and education - a compelling agenda in a state long trapped by caste and patronage politics.

Read more on BBC

Yet Cuba-hardened internal security, patronage over the generals and years of sanctions-induced siege mentality make a palace coup improbable on a timetable that suits Washington.

Read more on Salon

Queen Elizabeth strips Andrew of his military affiliations and patronages, as Buckingham Palace looks to distance itself from the then prince.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• aegis 
• auspices www.thesaurus.com
• backing 
• encouragement 
• financing 
• sponsorship 
• subsidy