patron saint

noun

a saint regarded as the special guardian of a person, group, trade, country, etc.

Origin

1710-20

Examples from the web for patron saint

For this reason, he has become known as the patron saint of stress relief.
It seems oddly fitting for a people who are perpetual outsiders that even their patron saint is an interloper.
patron saint days may be seen as more important than birthdays.
Many cities and towns also celebrate their patron saint's day.

British Dictionary definitions for patron saint

patron saint

noun

a saint regarded as the particular guardian of a country, church, trade, person, etc

patron saint in Culture

patron saint definition

A saint from whom a person or group claims special protection or prayers. Saint Christopher, for example, is considered the patron of travelers; Saint Luke, the patron of doctors; and Saint Patrick, the patron of Ireland. People who have the same name as a saint may consider the saint their patron. The honoring of patron saints is especially common in the Roman Catholic Church.