In early use: patients or sick people collectively. In later use (chiefly humorous): the science of the treatment or care of patients; the fact of being a patient.
Origin
Mid 17th century; earliest use found in Thomas Powell. From patient + -ry.
Definition of patientry in US English:
patientry
nounˈpeɪʃntri
rare
In early use: patients or sick people collectively. In later use (chiefly humorous): the science of the treatment or care of patients; the fact of being a patient.
Origin
Mid 17th century; earliest use found in Thomas Powell. From patient + -ry.