patronage
1 ENTRIES FOUND:
Britannica Dictionary definition of PATRONAGE
[noncount]
1
:
money and support that is given to an artist, organization, etc.
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The college relied on the patronage of its wealthy graduates to expand its funds.
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They thanked her for her patronage of the new hospital.
2
chiefly US, somewhat formal
:
support that is given to a business, library, etc., by buying its goods or using its services
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The city should do more to encourage patronage of local businesses.
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The new library is expected to have heavy patronage. [=many people are expected to use the new library]
3
often disapproving
:
the power to give jobs or provide other help to people as a reward for their support
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a system of political patronage
