online medical dictionary | definition of patronize

1. To act as patron toward; to support; to countenance; to favor; to aid. "The idea has been patronised by two States only." (A. Hamilton)

2. To trade with customarily; to frequent as a customer.

3. To assume the air of a patron, or of a superior and protector, toward; used in an unfavorable sense; as, to patronize one's equals.

Origin: Patronised; Patronizing.

(01 Mar 1998)