Padrone

[pә'drәuni]

(noun.) an employer who exploits Italian immigrants in the U.S..

(noun.) an owner or proprietor of an inn in Italy.

Checker: Scott--From WordNet

(n.) A patron; a protector.

(n.) The master of a small coaster in the Mediterranean.

(n.) A man who imports, and controls the earnings of, Italian laborers, street musicians, etc.

Checker: Seymour