Cli"ent (?), n. [L. cliens, -emtis, for cluens, one who hears (in relation to his protector), a client, fr. L. cluere to be named or called; akin to Gr. &?; to hear, Skr. çry, and E. loud: cf. F. client. See Loud.] 1. (Rom. Antiq.) A citizen who put himself under the protection of a man of distinction and influence, who was called his patron.

2. A dependent; one under the protection of another.

I do think they are your friends and clients,
And fearful to disturb you.
B. Jonson.

3. (Law) One who consults a legal adviser, or submits his cause to his management.

• A customer or receiver of services.
  
• The role of a computer application or system that consumes services provided by another in the role of server.