-patronate-

n. [ L. patronatus. ] The right or duty of a patron; patronage. [ R. ] Westm. Rev. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Business custom. [ Commercial Cant ] [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Guardianship, as of a saint; tutelary care. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. The right of nomination to political office; also, the offices, contracts, honors, etc., which a public officer may bestow by favor. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. (Eng. Law) The right of presentation to church or ecclesiastical benefice; advowson. Blackstone. [ 1913 Webster ]