patroness
Americannoun
noun
-
a woman who sponsors or aids artists, charities, etc; protector or benefactor
-
See patron saint
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.
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
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
The global church’s patroness of the Americas, she is revered by Catholics across borders.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 7, 2020
A rendering of the Virgin of Guadalupe, patroness of Mexico and the Americas, watched over his ashes on a table beside flowers and prayer candles.
From Washington Times • May 9, 2020
“Hannah left it on the kitchen table a minute, and the kittens got at it. I’m very sorry, Amy,” added Beth, who was still a patroness of cats.
From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.