patron saint
Pronunciation
  • IPA: /ˈpeɪtɹən ˈseɪnt/
Noun

patron saint (plural patron saints)

  1. (Christianity) A saint conceived as the patron (protector or supporter) of a particular place, group, or activity.
    St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland; St. Isidore is the patron saint of software engineers; and St. Anthony is the patron saint of travelers and finding lost things.
  2. (figuratively) An exemplar: an individual who exemplifies some trait or group.
    Janet is the patron saint of procrastination. I'm thinking of erecting her a shrine of doughnut boxes in the breakroom.
Synonyms Translations


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