1. a woman who gives financial or other support to a person, organization, cause, or activity
2. a woman who regularly uses the services of a business establishment
3. a female patron saint
Usage: religious

Examples

• The wealthy patroness donated millions to the art museum.
• She was a generous patroness of young musicians.
• The restaurant valued its regular patroness who dined there weekly.
• The library thanked its patroness for her continued support.
• Saint Teresa is the patroness of missionaries.
• The patroness funded scholarships for underprivileged students.