pensionary

American  

[pen-shuh-ner-ee] / ˈpɛn ʃəˌnɛr i /

noun

plural

pensionaries

1. a pensioner.

2. a hireling.

---

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

---

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

On the 4th of August John de Witt resigned the post of grand pensionary that he had held so long and with such distinction.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 3 "Destructors" to "Diameter" by Various

At fifteen Grotius accompanied Count Justin of Nassau, and the grand pensionary J. van Olden Barneveldt on their special embassy to the court of France.

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

In 1621 he accepted the office of pensionary of Middelburg, his first step toward official statesmanship.

From Library of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern, Vol. VIII by Various

Estrades, an anecdote related by him of prince Henry Frederic of Nassau, 107 Is displeased with Peter Grotius pensionary of Amsterdam, 348.

From The Life of the Truly Eminent and Learned Hugo Grotius Containing a Copious and Circumstantial History of the Several Important and Honourable Negotiations in Which He Was Employed; together with a Critical Account of His Works by Burigny, Jean Lévesque de

The English minister was content to accept of the terms proposed by the pensionary.

From The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.I., Part F. From Charles II. to James II. by Hume, David