Patronage
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States · John Bouvier · 1839
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
The right of appointing to office; as the patronage of the president of the United States, if abused, may endanger the liberties of the people. In the ecclesiastical law, it significs the right of presentation to a church or ecclesiastical benefice.
2 Bl. Com. 21.