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Synonyms

patroness

American  
[pay-truh-nis] / ˈpeɪ trə nɪs /

noun

  1. a woman who protects, supports, or sponsors someone or something.


patroness British  
/ ˈpeɪtrənˌɛs /

noun

  1. a woman who sponsors or aids artists, charities, etc; protector or benefactor

  2. See patron saint

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Gender

See -ess.

Other Word Forms


Etymology

Origin of patroness

1375–1425; late Middle English patronesse female patron saint < Old French


Vocabulary lists containing patroness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Many stopped to kiss an icon of the patroness of their city, which an employee of the church said had been pulled from the rubble.

From New York Times ● Jul. 25, 2023

Local officials said the icon of the patroness of the city was retrieved from under the rubble.

From Washington Times ● Jul. 23, 2023

She’s been known as the patroness of those with nervous disorders ever since.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 14, 2022

On a show like "Ted Lasso," for example, a filthy rich patroness may offer to solve a salaried friend's problems with getting a seat at a favorite restaurant by buying the place.

From Salon ● Sep. 5, 2021

My patroness, too, might hear of him, and not approve.

From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens

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