patron saint

/ˌpeɪtrən seɪnt/

/ˈpeɪtrən seɪnt/

Other forms: patron saints

In some religions, a patron saint is a holy figure that protects a place, person, or group. If you lose your keys, try praying to Saint Anthony — the patron saint of lost items.

Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Christians believe that patron saints (who were so virtuous while they were alive that after death they live in heaven and advocate for people with God) offer protection to specific groups. There are patron saints of places (like Joseph, the patron saint of Belgium); of illnesses and problems (Paulina, patron saint of diabetes); and of professions (Dominic, patron saint of astronomers). Patron comes from the Latin patronus, or "protector."

Definitions of patron saint

1. noun

   a saint who is considered to be a defender of some group or nation
   examples:

   Father Christmas

   the legendary patron saint of children; an imaginary being who is thought to bring presents to children at Christmas

   Saint Christopher

   Christian martyr and patron saint of travellers (3rd century)

   Saint Crispin

   patron saint of shoemakers; he and his brother were martyred for trying to spread Christianity (3rd century)

   Saint David

   patron saint of Wales (circa 520-600)

   Saint George

   Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)

   Saint Patrick

   Apostle and patron saint of Ireland; an English missionary to Ireland in the 5th century

   type of:

   defender, guardian, protector, shielder

   a person who cares for persons or property

   saint

   a person who has died and has been declared a saint by canonization