a person who is a customer, client, or paying guest, esp. a regular one, of a store, hotel, or the like.

a person who supports with money, gifts, efforts, or endorsement an artist, writer, museum, cause, charity, institution, special event, or the like

a patron of the arts; patrons of the annual Democratic dance.

a person whose support or protection is solicited or acknowledged by the dedication of a book or other work.

patron saint.

Roman History . the protector of a dependent or client, often the former master of a freedman still retaining certain rights over him.

Ecclesiastical . a person who has the right of presenting a member of the clergy to a benefice.

noun

detractor , enemy , opponent , opposition , employee , manager , owner

noun

advocate , angel * , backer , benefactor , booster , champion , defender , encourager , fairy godparent , fan , financer , friend , front * , guarantor , guardian , guide , head , helper , leader , partisan , patron saint * , philanthropist , protector , sponsor , supporter , surety , sympathizer , well-wisher , buyer , client , customer , frequenter , habitu , purchaser , shopper , contributor , angel , guest , host , manager , owner , promoter , user