Patron

(pa'trun.) [From L. patron us, a protector.] Generally, one who specially countenances and supports another (termed his client), or lends his aid to advance the interests of some undertaking or institution; as, a patron of learning.-(Eccl.)In the Rom. Cath. Church, a saint or guardian, whose name a person bears, or under whose protection he is placed, and whom he invokes; or a saint in whose name a church or order is founded. [s. 690]