PATRON, among the Romans, was an appellation given to a master who had freed his slave. As soon as the relation of master expired, that of patron began: for the Romans in giving their slaves their freedom, did not despoil themselves of all rights and privileges in them; the law still subjected them to considerable services and duties towards their patrons, the neglect of which was very severely punished.
Patron was also a name which the people of Rome gave to some great man, under whose protection they usually put themselves; paying him all kinds of honour and respect, and denominating themselves his clients; while the patron, on his side, granted them his credit and protection.