sponsor Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun someone who supports or champions something
    patron; supporter.
  2. noun an advocate who presents a person (as for an award or a degree or an introduction etc.)
    presenter.
  3. verb assume sponsorship of
    patronise; patronize.
  4. verb assume responsibility for or leadership of
    • The senator announced that he would sponsor the health care plan
  5. verb do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of
    shop; buy at; patronize; patronise; shop at; frequent.

WordNet

Spon"sor noun
Etymology
L., from spondere, sponsum, to engage one's self. See Spose.
Definitions
  1. One who binds himself to answer for another, and is responsible for his default; a surety.
  2. One who at the baptism of an infant professore the christian faith in its name, and guarantees its religious education; a godfather or godmother.

Webster 1913