Patroness

noun, verb

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A female patron goddess or saint.

    "And Night, the patronesse of love-stealth fayre, / Gave them safe conduct, till to end they came."

  2. 2
    a woman who is a patron or the wife of a patron wordnet
  3. 3
    A woman who sponsors or supports a given activity, person etc.; a female patron. broadly, dated

    "If I buy a ticket for a Flower Show, or a Music Show, or any sort of Show, and pay pretty heavy for it, why am I to be Patroned and Patronessed as if the Patrons and Patronesses treated me?"

Verb
  1. 1
    To support or sponsor as a patroness.

    "If I buy a ticket for a Flower Show, or a Music Show, or any sort of Show, and pay pretty heavy for it, why am I to be Patroned and Patronessed as if the Patrons and Patronesses treated me?"

Etymology

Etymology 1

From Middle English patronesse, from Late Latin patronissa, from Classical Latin patrōnus; equivalent to patron + -ess.

Etymology 2

From Middle English patronesse, from Late Latin patronissa, from Classical Latin patrōnus; equivalent to patron + -ess.

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