mae·ce·nas \mə̇ˈsēnəs, mēˈ- also mīˈ-\noun (-es) Usage: usually capitalized Etymology: Latin, after Gaius Maecenas died 8 B.C. Roman statesman and patron of literature : a generous benefactor; especially: a munificent patron of literature or art < opera has never really paid its way anywhere, but in Europe government subventions have replaced the … vanished Maecenases — James Hinton >