Patronage

1. Business custom.
2. Guardianship, as of a saint; tutelary care.
3. The right of presentation to church or ecclesiastical benefice; advowson.
4. The right of nomination to political office; also, the offices, contracts, honors, etc., which a public officer may bestow by favor.
5. Special countenance or support; favor, encouragement, or aid, afforded to a person or a work; as, the patronage of letters; patronage given to an author.