a person who uses wealth or influence to help an individual, institution, or cause
Is not a patron, my Lord, one who looks with unconcern on a man struggling for life in the water, and, when he has reached ground, encumbers him with help? — Dr Johnson
a person who is chosen, named, or honoured as a special guardian, protector, or supporter
a regular customer of a pub, restaurant, etc
a patrician in ancient Rome who granted protection to a client
the former owner of a freed slave in ancient Rome
Brit formerly, a holder of the right to grant a benefice in the Church of England
[Middle English from medieval Latin patronus patron, defender, pattern, from Latin patr- pater father]