patron

One that supports, protects, or champions someone or something, such as an institution, event, or cause; a sponsor or benefactor.

A customer, especially a regular customer.

The owner or manager of an establishment, especially a restaurant or an inn of France or Spain.

A noble or wealthy person in ancient Rome who granted favor and protection to someone in exchange for certain services.

A slave owner in ancient Rome who freed a slave without relinquishing all legal claim to him.

One who possesses the right to grant an ecclesiastical benefice to a member of the clergy.

A patron saint.

One who holds a relation of superiority and service analogous to that of a father; hence, a protector.

Specifically— Among the Romans, a master who had freed his slave, or a father who had emancipated his child, and retained some rights over him after his emancipation—those who succeeded to the master or father, as the case might be, usually becoming the patrons in his place.