patrono

patron saint

noun pah-TROH-noh Rare

Origin: From Latin patronus ('protector'), from pater ('father').

Also means

patron, protector

Usage Note

Patrono most commonly refers to a santo patrono — the patron saint of a town or guild, celebrated on their feast day with a local holiday. In a secular or legal sense it can also mean a patron or protector. The feminine is patrona. Do not confuse with padrone ('master, landlord'), a different word.

Examples

"San Marco è il patrono di Venezia."

Natural Translation

Saint Mark is the patron saint of Venice.

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