among the Romans, was an appellation given to a matter who had freed his slave. As soon as the relation of master expired, that of patron began; for the Romans, in giving the slaves their freedom, did not despoil themselves of all right 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.

in the church of Rome, a saint, whose name a person bears, or under whose protection he is put, and whom he takes particular care to invoke; or a saint, in whose name a church or order is founded.

in Scots law. See LAW, Tit. v. 5.