Scrabble?! PATRONAGE

Definitions of PATRONAGE in various dictionaries:

noun - the act of providing approval and support

noun - customers collectively

noun - a communication that indicates lack of respect by patronizing the recipient

noun - (politics) granting favors or giving contracts or making appointments to office in return for political support

noun - the business given to a commercial establishment by its customers

verb - support by being a patron of

verb - be a regular customer or client of

Support, encouragement, or championship, as of a person, an institution, an event, or a cause, from a patron.

Support or encouragement proffered in a condescending manner: It seems our little establishment has finally been deemed worthy of the bank’s patronage.

The trade given to a commercial establishment by its customers: Shopkeepers thanked Christmas shoppers for their patronage.

Customers or patrons considered as a group; clientele: The grand old hotel has a loyal but demanding patronage.

The power to distribute or appoint people to governmental or political positions.

The act of distributing or appointing people to such positions.

The positions so distributed or filled.

The right to grant an ecclesiastical benefice to a member of the clergy.