patron saint
/ˈpeɪtɹən ˈseɪnt/ noun
Forms patron saints
- noun (Christianity) A saint conceived as the patron (protector or supporter) of a particular place, group, person, or activity, for whom or for which his or her intercession is specially invoked.
- noun (figuratively) An exemplar: an individual who exemplifies some trait or group. “Janet is the patron saint of procrastination. I'm thinking of erecting her a shrine of doughnut boxes in the breakroom.”
Synonyms
archetype byspel case beau ideal case in point embodiment epitome eponym exemplar exemplification example exemplificator Exhibit A illustration incarnation instance paradigm prototype quintessence representative
Sources: Wiktionary — from the Wiktionary entry “patron saint”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details