2 uses
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Definition
treat in a manner that demonstrates a sense of superiority, but is supposed to seem kind
or:
the actions of a patron (to support someone or something; or to be a customer)
or:
the actions of a patron (to support someone or something; or to be a customer)
- The eloquent auctioneer was seized with pneumonia, and having been a patient of Mr. Peacock's, sent for Lydgate, whom he had expressed his intention to patronize.Book 5 — The Dead Hand (20% in)
- A layman who pried into the professional conduct of medical men, and was always obtruding his reforms,—though he was less directly embarrassing to the two physicians than to the surgeon-apothecaries who attended paupers by contract, was nevertheless offensive to the professional nostril as such; and Dr. Minchin shared fully in the new pique against Bulstrode, excited by his apparent determination to patronize Lydgate.Book 2 — Old and Young (58% in)
There are no more uses of "patronize" in Middlemarch.
Typical Usage
(best examples)