verb.
To treat as inferior unduly, talk down to, treat condescendingly.
verb.
To make oneself a regular customer of a business.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
verb.
assume sponsorship of
verb.
do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of
verb.
treat condescendingly
verb.
be a regular customer or client of
Word Usage
"The clergyman, the district visitor, the professional slummer -- all the people who "patronise" -- never learn the truth, and they positively invite the wastrel classes to lie."