Signs of patronage (8)
I believe the answer is:
auspices
This clue is a double definition.
'signs' is the first definition.
(I know this)
'patronage' is the second definition.
(I've seen this before)
'of' is the link.
(Other definitions for auspices that I've seen before include "Omens or patronage for USA epics" , "Under these, you have the help, support or protection of someone" , "Good offices" .)