patroness

1. (religion) A female patron goddess or saint.Examples: "And Night, the patronesse of love-stealth fayre, / Gave them safe conduct, till to end they came."; "As a young girl, Sor Juana felt protected by Minerva's wisdom and knowledge, and this may explain why she felt connected to this goddess who was patroness of both wisdom and, “persons engaged in the learned professions.”"

2. (dated, more generally) A woman who sponsors or supports a given activity, person etc.; a female patron.Examples: "If I buy a ticket for a Flower Show, or a Music Show, or any sort of Show, and pay pretty heavy for it, why am I to be Patroned and Patronessed as if the Patrons and Patronesses treated me?"; "But a diary here and there survives from which we may see the patroness more closely and less romantically."broadlydated