patronagepat·ron·age /ˈpætrənɪdʒ/ noun [uncountableU]1American EnglishAmECOMMERCE the support a customer gives a shop, restaurant etc by spending money thereWhat will prevent the customer from shifting his patronage to someone else?
2the support given to an organization, CHARITY etc by a patron, especially financial supportWe hope that the new law will encourage private patronage of the arts.
3disapproving a system in which someone in authority helps people get important positions, jobs etc in return for their supportThe study found that promotions were based on patronage.