A patron is someone who protects, supports, defends, or advocates for someone or something, and can also refer to a guardian or intercessor, similar to a patron saint.

An influential, wealthy person who supported an artist, craftsman, a scholar or a noble.

A customer, as of a certain store or restaurant.

(historical, Roman law) A protector of a dependent, especially a master who had freed a slave but still retained some paternal rights.

(UK, ecclesiastical) One who has gift and disposition of a benefice.

(nautical) A padrone.