Origin: French suffix -age
Patronage has 9 different meanings across 2 categories:
the act of providing approval and support
"his vigorous backing of the conservatives got him in trouble with progressives"
a communication that indicates lack of respect by patronizing the recipient
"Her condescending tone was clear evidence of her patronage toward the younger staff members."
(politics) granting favors or giving contracts or making appointments to office in return for political support
"The mayor was accused of corruption after it emerged that he had secured lucrative city construction contracts solely because the developers donated heavily to his campaign."
The act of providing approval and support; backing; championship.
"The young artist's career flourished thanks to the generous patronage of a wealthy collector who championed her avant-garde style."
support by being a patron of
"The local theater survived its financial crisis thanks to the generous patronage of several wealthy community members who agreed to underwrite their production costs."
be a regular customer or client of
"We patronize this store"
"Our sponsor kept our art studio going for as long as he could"
To support by being a patron of.
"The local gallery thrived on the generous financial patronage of wealthy art collectors who bought her paintings every year."
The word patronage comes from the Old French term patronage, which entered English via Middle English. It is formed by combining "patron" with the suffix "-age" to denote the system or act of being a patron.