Noun
1. the act of providing approval and support;
"his vigorous backing of the conservatives got him in trouble with progressives"2. customers collectively;
"they have an upper class clientele"3. a communication that indicates lack of respect by patronizing the recipient
4. (politics) granting favors or giving contracts or making appointments to office in return for political support
5. the business given to a commercial establishment by its customers;
"even before noon there was a considerable patronage"