patron saint

patron saint
a saint regarded as the special guardian of a person, group, trade, country, etc.
[1710-20]

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Saint to whose protection and intercession a person, society, church, place, profession, or activity is dedicated.

The choice is usually made on the basis of some real or presumed relationship (e.g., St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland because he is credited with introducing Christianity there).

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      saint to whose protection and intercession a person, a society, a church, or a place is dedicated. The choice is often made on the basis of some real or presumed relationship with the persons or places involved. St. Patrick, for example, is the patron saint of Ireland because he is credited with bringing Christianity to the Irish people. In some cultures national or local gods are the equivalent of patron saints; e.g., in China K'uei Hsing, the patron of scholars, reputedly passed his civil-service examination with great distinction and will assist others to do the same.

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Universalium. 2010.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • patron saint — Patron Pa tron, n. [F., fr. L. patronus, fr. pater a father. See {Paternal}, and cf. {Patroon}, {Padrone}, {Pattern}.] 1. One who protects, supports, or countenances; a defender. Patron of my life and liberty. Shak. The patron of true holiness.… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • patron saint — n a Christian ↑saint who people believe gives special protection to a particular place, activity, or person patron saint of ▪ St. Christopher, the patron saint of travellers …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • patron saint — noun count a SAINT (=a dead holy person) who is believed to protect a particular place, activity, or group of people: patron saint of: St. Nicholas is the patron saint of children …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • patron saint — patron saints N COUNT: usu with poss The patron saint of a place, an activity, or a group of people is a saint who is believed to give them special help and protection. Chiswick church is dedicated to St Nicholas, patron saint of sailors …   English dictionary

  • Patron saint — Saint associated with a trade or *guild; a particular saint to whom a person prays for protection through some specific association. Thus St Cecilia is patron saint of musicians, while St Jerome is patron saint of translators, and St Laurence of… …   Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases

  • Patron saint — Patron Pa tron, a. Doing the duty of a patron; giving aid or protection; tutelary. Dryden. [1913 Webster] {Patron saint} (R. C. Ch.), a saint regarded as the peculiar protector of a country, community, church, profession, etc., or of an… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • patron saint — ► NOUN ▪ the protecting or guiding saint of a person or place …   English terms dictionary

  • patron saint — n. a saint looked upon as the special guardian of a person, place, institution, etc …   English World dictionary

  • Patron saint — The patron saint of a particular group of people is a saint who would protect and love the group and its members. Prayers by such people are considered more likely to be answered by their patron saint . Some consider it a special devotion to God… …   Wikipedia

  • patron saint — noun a saint who is considered to be a defender of some group or nation (Freq. 2) • Hypernyms: ↑defender, ↑guardian, ↑protector, ↑shielder, ↑saint • Instance Hyponyms: ↑Santa Claus, ↑ …   Useful english dictionary

  • patron saint — UK / US noun [countable] Word forms patron saint : singular patron saint plural patron saints a saint who is believed to protect a particular place, activity, or group of people patron saint of: St Nicholas is the patron saint of children …   English dictionary

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