pensionary

[ pen-shuh-ner-ee ]

/ ˈpɛn ʃəˌnɛr i /

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noun, plural pen·sion·ar·ies.

a pensioner.

a hireling.

adjective

of the nature of a pension.

receiving a pension.

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Origin of pensionary

From the Medieval Latin word pēnsiōnārius, dating back to 1530–40. See pension, -ary

Words nearby pensionary

Pensées, pensel, Penshurst Place, pensile, pension, pensionary, pensioneer trustee, pensioner, pension fund, pension mortgage, pension off

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use pensionary in a sentence

The Burgomaster gave him the keys of the city; and the Pensionary of Louvain welcomed him on behalf of all the local magistrates.
Belgium|George W. T. (George William Thomson) Omond
The states-general voted to join the armed neutrality and, while disavowing the treaty, did not proceed against the pensionary.
The Political History of England - Vol. X.|William Hunt
The pensionary Heinsius, who had governed the United Provinces for forty years, was absolutely governed by him.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Vol 58, No. 357, July 1845|Various
John de Witt had already resigned the office of Grand Pensionary.
The World's Greatest Books, Vol III|Arthur Mee and J.A. Hammerton, Eds.

It is known in history as the Pensionary or Long Parliament.
Andrew Marvell|Augustine Birrell

British Dictionary definitions for pensionary

pensionary

/ (ˈpɛnʃənərɪ) /

adjective

constituting a pension

maintained by or receiving a pension

noun plural -aries

a person whose service can be bought; hireling

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012