Patronus

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For the fictional "charm" which is mentioned in the Harry Potter series of novels, see Patronus Charm

Patronus (plural patroni) was the term used to refer to a Patrician "benefactor" in the Patrician/Plebian relationship called clientela, which was part of the social customs of Ancient Rome, extending back as far in Antiquity as can be traced.

By the time of Cicero, the Patronus/Cliens relationship also could refer to the more professional relationship between an advocate and his legal client.

By Cicero's time, extremely powerful and influential Roman patricians might be the Patronus of entire city states, or foreign countries. In such cases, the Roman Senate often would settle disputes between foreign nations within its "sphere of influence" by referring the matter to be resolved between the patronii of the respective disputing client nations, and abide by the results.

A Patronus had certain obligations towards their cliens, including that of a being a legal advisor and protector.

Furthermore, various professional and other corporations awarded statutory tites such as patronus or pater patratus (some used more than one) to external protectors, such as Magistrates or members of the imperial family, sometimes merely as a flattery, rather like modern charities enjoying the 'high protection' of one or more princes, statesmen etcetera with our without any actual involvement.

For more details refer to clientela.

The title was also used in a Mithraic community, which was not merely a religious congregation but also a social and legal body with its officials, the others titkles being decemprimi, magistri, curatores and defensores.

In the feudal era, Patronus came to be used in the senses of the modern word patron, and especially for a Patron saint.