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patronne

patronne

9.6
A woman who is the boss of a small business like a restaurant or hotel
  • noun
  • UK
translation icon : patrona
  • The patronne of the restaurant greeted us warmly as we entered.

Examples

  • The policeman turned to glance at him as he went by; the patronne looked up from the photograph.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • In the lobby, the patronne glanced up from the register she kept on the counter, then looked down, finding an entry and holding her place with a steel finger.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • I'll speak to the patronne.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • In the lobby, the patronne, eyes wide with horror.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • It was his one possession, and La Patronne knew it.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • "The patronne's finger, stuck on Room 28, began to tap.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • Then, finally, the patronne.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • As the new patronne, she quickly established a welcoming atmosphere in the cafe.

  • The patronne organized the staff to ensure everything ran smoothly during the busy evening.

Synonyms

patron
vspatronne
108 3.7

A regular customer of a place like a shop or theatre

is a woman who runs or manages a business rather than just visiting it
patroness
vspatronne
3 7.8

A woman who gives money or help to charities and artists and sometimes the wife of a male supporter

is a woman who manages or runs a business rather than supporting it

Surface Forms

patronne singular
patronnes plural

Etymology

Patronne comes from the same root as English patron and from Latin patronus meaning 'protector'. So a patronne is a woman who looks after or runs a business, like a female boss or hostess.