1. an employer, especially one who exploits immigrant workers
Usage: historical
2. an innkeeper or proprietor of a hotel or restaurant
Usage: Italian

Examples

• The padrone controlled every aspect of the workers’ lives.
• Italian immigrants often worked under harsh padrone systems.
• The padrone of the small restaurant greeted us warmly.
• Workers complained about their padrone’s unfair treatment.
• The padrone system was common in early 20th century America.
• She spoke with the padrone about reserving a table.