/'pætrənɪdʒ; [US] 'peɪt-; `petrənɪdʒ/
n [U]
1 support and encouragement given by a patron 资助; 赞助; 支持
*patronage of the arts 对艺术方面的赞助
* Without the patronage of several large firms, the festival could not take place. 没有几大公司的赞助, 就没有这一庆典.
* The theatre is under the patronage of the Arts Council. 那剧院得到了艺术委员会的赞助.
2 (fml 文) customer's support for a shop, restaurant, etc; custom1(2) 光顾; 惠顾
*We thank you for your patronage. 谢谢您的惠顾.
3 right or power to appoint sb to or recommend sb for an important position （重要职务的）任命权, 举荐权.
4 (dated 旧) patronizing (patronize 1) manner 施恩的态度.

n[U]
the support, especially financial support, that is given to an organization or activity by a patron
AmE formal the support that you give a particular shop, restaurant etc by buying their goods or using their services
British Equivalent: custom
　Thank you for your patronage.
a system by which someone in a powerful position gives people help or important jobs in return for their support