patron

Where does the word "patron" come from? It comes from Latin patronus, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

Patron’s story begins in Latin: patronus meant “protector.” From 'pater', father. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as patron. A protector of a church or artist. It reached English by 1300s as patron. 'patron saint' dates from the 1700s. Today, patron means a supporter of an artist or cause.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient patronus "protector", from 'pater', father.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval patron "protector", a protector of a church or artist.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s patron "protector", 'patron saint' dates from the 1700s.