Definition of: patronage

(pā′trən·ij, pat′rən-) noun
1. Special countenance; guardianship.
2. An uncalled–for distribution of favors, or an overly condescending manner.
3. The right to control the distribution of offices, etc., in the public service; also, the offices, etc., so distributed.
4. The financial support given by customers to commercial enterprises; the customers themselves, as a group.