n. Special countenance or support; favor, encouragement, or aid, afforded to a person or a workn. Business custom.n. Guardianship, as of a saint; tutelary care.n. The right of nomination to political office; also, the offices, contracts, honors, etc., which a public officer may bestow by favor.n. The right of presentation to church or ecclesiastical benefice; advowson.v. To act as a patron of; to maintain; to defend.