PATRONAGE

patronage (pay-tr[schwa]-nij). 1. The giving of support, sponsorship, or protection. 2. All the customers of a business; clientele. 3. The power to appoint persons to governmental positions or to confer other political favors. — Also termed (in sense 3) political patronage. See SPOILS SYSTEM. [Cases: Officers and Public Employees 25. C.J.S. Officers and Public Employees […]