patronage
noun [ U ] uk/ˈpæt.rə.nɪdʒ/ /ˈpeɪ.trən.ɪdʒ/ us/ˈpæt.rə.nɪdʒ/ /ˈpeɪ.trən.ɪdʒ/
(SUPPORT)
赞助，资助
the support given to an organization by someone
The charity enjoys the patronage of many prominent local business people. 这家慈善机构获得了本地许多重要的商人的赞助。
mainly disapproving任命权
the power of a person to give someone an important job or position
Patronage is a potent force if used politically. 任命权用在政治上会成为一种强大的力量。
(CUSTOMERS)
formal惠顾，光顾
the business given to a shop or restaurant, etc. by its customers
We would like to thank all of our customers for their patronage in the past. 我们要感谢所有顾客过去的惠顾。