PATRON

(Lat patron us; from pater, father.) The relation of patron and client, in Ancient Rome, has been explained under the head Client. After the extinction of republican sentiments and usages, the term patron was still applied to advocates who defended causes for hire. But the right of patronage, analagrtB* to that which had subsisted under the commonwealth, may be said only to have existed in the relation between masters and frcedpmu, the latter of whom were placed and v rio us ohllga to their lor me.-viors. i.. tin a age. theRi man Catholic church, a patron saint is the peculiar protector of each country, community, profe ion, ., or of individuals. The prime minister of the pope is termed the cardinal patron. (As to the Roman patrons, see Mem. de VJicad. des Inscr., vol. xii.) [s. 921]