Pa″tron‐age (?), n. [F. patronage. Cf. LL. patronaticum, and L. patronatus.] 1. Special countenance or support; favor, encouragement, or aid, afforded to a person or a work; as, the patronage of letters; patronage given to an author.
2. Business custom.
3. Guardianship, as of a saint; tutelary care. Addison.
4. The right of nomination to political office; also, the offices, contracts, honors, etc., which a public officer may bestow by favor.
5. (Eng. Law) The right of presentation to church or ecclesiastical benefice; advowson. Blackstone.