pensionary

American  

[pen-shuh-ner-ee] / ˈpɛn ʃəˌnɛr i /

noun

plural

pensionaries

1. a pensioner.

2. a hireling.

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adjective

1. of the nature of a pension.

2. receiving a pension.

pensionary British  

/ ˈpɛnʃənərɪ /

adjective

1. constituting a pension

2. maintained by or receiving a pension

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noun

1. a person whose service can be bought; hireling

Etymology

Origin of pensionary

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

Example Sentences

The populace feared his acquittal, and they by a manœuvre induced his brother John De Witt, the grand pensionary, to visit him in prison.

From Young Americans Abroad Vacation in Europe: Travels in England, France, Holland, Belgium, Prussia and Switzerland by Choules, J.O.

Upon which premises—all and single—the foresaid John Broune, perpetual pensionary vicar of the said parochial Church of Crieff, in Strathearn, asked the present public instruments to be executed for him by me, notary public undersigned.

From Chronicles of Strathearn by Macdougall, W. B.

Grotius, when he was only thirty, was made pensionary of the city of Rotterdam.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 5 "Greek Law" to "Ground-Squirrel" by Various

The states-general voted to join the armed neutrality and, while disavowing the treaty, did not proceed against the pensionary.

From The Political History of England - Vol. X. The History of England from the Accession of George III to the close of Pitt's first Administration by Poole, Reginald Lane

The first writer who is known to have attempted to obtain, on correct mathematical principles, the value of a life annuity, was Jan De Witt, grand pensionary of Holland and West Friesland.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 2 "Anjar" to "Apollo" by Various