At first the master of a galley with oars (14th–18th c., N.E.D.). Then the captain or steersman of a river boat.
1820. Doge. How! did you say the patron of a galley?—Byron, ‘Marino Faliero,’ i. 294 (N.E.D.).
1775. The vessel [coming from Cuba] draws one third, the patroon or master, two shares of the remaining two thirds, which is divided into as many shares as there are adventurers.—B. Romans, ‘Florida,’ p. 186.
1814. Patron a fresh water sailing-master.—H. M. Brackenridge, ‘Journal,’ p. 206, note.
1817. Our patron, or steersman, who conducted the first boat, and directed our motions.—John Bradbury, ‘Travels,’ p. 176. (Italics in the original.)
1824. A patroon for sale. A prime fellow, well acquainted with the navigation of Cooper River.—Carolina Gazette, Feb. 14.
1826. I was exposed to the storm on the deck, ready occasionally to assist the “patron,” as he is called, of the boat, whenever he found himself unable, from the violence of the wind, to manage the helm.—T. Flint, ‘Recollections,’ p. 81.
1826. [We went down the Mississippi] in a very large keel-boat, with an ignorant patron. The whole way was one scene of disasters.—Id., p. 217.
1849. Leaving space enough at the stern for the seat of the patron, or captain, who, with a short, broad paddle both aided to propel and steer the canoe.—Theodore T. Johnson, ‘Sights in the Gold Region,’ p. 18 (N.Y.). (Italics in the original.)
