Patronage
Webster's Dictionary [1]
(1): (n.) Guardianship, as of a saint; tutelary care.
(2): (v. t.) To act as a patron of; to maintain; to defend.
(3): (n.) 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.
(4): (n.) The right of nomination to political office; also, the offices, contracts, honors, etc., which a public officer may bestow by favor.
(5): (n.) Business custom.
(6): (n.) The right of presentation to church or ecclesiastical benefice; advowson.
Charles Buck Theological Dictionary [2]
Or ADVOWSON, a sort of incorporeal hereditament, consisting in the right of presentation to a church, or ecclesiastical benefice. Advowson signifies the taking into protection, and therefore is synonymous with patronage; and he who has the right of advowson is called the patron of the church.
