The Only Use of
patronize
in
Washington's Farewell Address
- It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world; so far, I mean, as we are now at liberty to do it; for let me not be understood as capable of patronizing infidelity to existing engagements.†
patronizing = treating in a manner that demonstrates a sense of superiority, but is supposed to seem kind
Definitions:
-
(1)
(patronize as in: Don't patronize me.) 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) -
(2)
(meaning too rare to warrant focus) meaning too rare to warrant focus:
More rarely, patronize can mean to "give business to" as in "I don't patronize that restaurant because the owner is rude."