Question

What does the word patronage refer to as it is used in this sentence?
“It boasted that Taft, by throwing out the first pitch, had endorsed the game as one ‘worthy of the patronage of every class of people in this broad land.’”

A the fans’ attendance
B the president’s pitch
C the players’ success
D the sport’s popularity

Answer 1

Answer:

D the sport’s popularity

Explanation:

In this sentence, the word patronage refers to the sport's popularity. Patronage in general refers to the support given by a certain population or group of people. In the sentence, the patronage/support being referred to is targetting the game and not a single individual. It is stating that the pitch thrown makes the sport itself worthy of all the love and support given to it by all the people of the land.