One who protects or supports; a defender or advocate.
A guardian or intercessor; synonym of patron saint.
An influential, wealthy person who supported an artist, craftsman, a scholar or a noble.
A customer, as of a certain store or restaurant.
A protector of a dependent, especially a master who had freed a slave but still retained some paternal rights.
One who has gift and disposition of a benefice.
A padrone.
Someone who unnecessarily defends someone else.
An individual or corporation that intends to acquire another company in order to avert a hostile takeover.
A man who defends a woman in debate etc. in an attempt to gain her favour.
A mushroom of species Tricholoma album.
A hero, savior, or righteous individual.
To unnecessarily defend someone, especially in an attempt to gain favour.