Definition of Mellon
the name of a family of US financiers and philanthropists, notably: Andrew (William) (1855–1937), US secretary of the treasury 1923–32. He donated his art collection and made gifts to establish the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, in 1941. Paul (1855–1937), son of Andrew. He served as president of the Board of Trustees for the National Gallery 1938–39, 1963–78 and donated many works of art to the gallery.
