Meaning

• The act of providing approval and support; backing; championship.

  "His vigorous patronage of the conservatives got him in trouble with progressives."

• Customers collectively; clientele; business.

  "The restaurant had an upper-class patronage."

• A communication that indicates lack of respect by patronizing the recipient; condescension; disdain.

• Granting favours or giving contracts or making appointments to office in return for political support.

• Guardianship, as of a saint; tutelary care.

• The right of nomination to political office.

• The right of presentation to church or ecclesiastical benefice; advowson.

Meaning

• To support by being a patron of.

• To be a regular customer or client of; to patronize