My sister-in-law and I were out the other day and a vendor greeted me with "Senora" but my SIL (who is older than I am) as "Patrona". She later asked me what it meant and as it was said very politely I told her that my best guess was it probably translated as a respectful way to say "ma'am" or suchlike. I've since done a search here and a google translation but with no luck, other than the usual definition of "patron". Is this a Dominican term used for older women? It was the first time I'd heard it.
Thanks!!
Thanks!!