patronage

IPA: pˈætrʌnɪdʒ

The act of providing approval and support; backing; championship.
Customers collectively; clientele; business.
The act or state of being a customer of some business.
A communication that indicates lack of respect by patronizing the recipient; condescension; disdain.
(politics) Granting favours or giving contracts or making appointments to office in return for political support.
Guardianship, as of a saint; tutelary care.
The right of nomination to political office.
(UK, law) The right of presentation to church or ecclesiastical benefice; advowson.

Examples of "patronage" in Sentences

The local bookstore thrived thanks to the loyal patronage of its regular customers
The artist's career was propelled forward by the generous patronage of a wealthy benefactor
The restaurant's high-quality food and service attracted a steady stream of patronage from the surrounding community
The theater company relied on the financial patronage of its sponsors to put on performances
The art gallery featured works from up-and-coming artists, thanks to the patronage of a group of collectors