Patroon Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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patroon
[pəˈtruːn ]
Definition
historical title
A patroon was a landholder in the Dutch colonies in North America, especially New Netherland, during the 17th century. They were granted large estates and were responsible for bringing settlers to these lands. In return for this privilege, patroons were expected to establish a settlement and manage the land, often following the Dutch West India Company's regulations. This title contributed significantly to the feudal-like system established in the region.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The patroon owned vast tracts of land and operated as a local lord.
- Patroons played a critical role in the early colonization of New York.
- The success of the patroon system depended on agricultural production.
Translations
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Origin of 'patroon'
The term 'patroon' is derived from the Dutch word 'patroon', meaning 'master' or 'patron'. It was used in the 17th century to refer to wealthy individuals who were granted large areas of land in the Dutch colonies of North America, primarily in New Netherland, which is now New York. The Dutch West India Company established this system to encourage settlement and agriculture in these territories. Patroons were responsible for developing their lands by bringing in tenants and laborers, and they exercised a significant degree of control over their estate, often establishing a form of feudal governance. The patroonships played a vital role in the social and economic history of the region, shaping the patterns of land ownership and settlement. As the British took control of New Netherland in the late 1660s, the patroon system began to decline, but the impact of these early landholders on the development of New York and its society remains notable.