patron Copy link Outline I. In Roman senseII. One who countenances and protects1. patrōnus2. praeses, ĭdis (protector, guardian)3. poet. tūtēlaIII. Of a living • patron: I. In Roman sense: patrōnus: Cic.: Liv. II. One who countenances and protects: 1. patrōnus: the p. of any one's interests, alicujus commodorum p., Cic. Agr. 3, 1, fin. (where the figure is that of an advocate in court). 2. praeses, ĭdis (protector, guardian): p. and guardian of freedom (the tribune), pr. libertatis custosque, Cic. Agr. 2, 6, 15: p. (tutelary) deities, pr. dii, Tac. H. 4, 53, med. In same sense, praesidium (abstr. for concr.): Hor. Od. 2, 1, 13 (insigne moestis praesidium reis). 3. poet. tūtēla: p. of Italy (Augustus), Italiae t., Hor. Od. 4, 14, 43. To be the p. of, praesidēre: Mars is the p. of arms, Mars praesidet armis, Ov. F. 3, 85: see also to patronize. III. Of a living: *patrōnus: v. Du C., s. v. (The most suitable term for p. saint, is praeses: cf. supr. II., 2.)