patronage
/ˈpætrənɪdʒ/noun
mass noun
1
- the support given by a patron赞助, 资助：
the arts could no longer depend on private patronage.
艺术再也不能依靠私人赞助了。
2
- the power to control appointments to office or the right to privileges（职务的）任命权; （特权的）给予权：
recruits are selected on merit, not through political patronage.
新成员是择优而不是通过政治任命选出来的。
3
- a patronizing or condescending manner恩赐态度：
a twang of self-satisfaction - even patronage - about him.
他带有一种自满甚至是恩赐般的腔调。
4
- the regular custom given to a shop, restaurant, or public service by a person or group（对商店、饭店或公共服务的）惠顾, 光顾：
the direct train link was ending because of poor patronage.
因为乘客很少, 所以直达列车即将停开了。
5
- (in ancient Rome) the rights and duties or position of a patron（古罗马）庇护人的权力和职责; 庇护人的地位。
词源
late Middle English: from Old French, from patron 'protector, advocate'（see PATRON）.