publican

[puhb-li-kuh n]

noun

Chiefly British. a person who owns or manages a tavern; the keeper of a pub.

Roman History. a person who collected public taxes.

any collector of taxes, tolls, tribute, or the like.

Nearby words

Origin of publican

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English word from Latin word pūblicānus. See public, -an

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for publican

"I'm sure, sir, you may well be proud to have outed him in one round," said the publican.
The Croxley Master: A Great Tale Of The Prize Ring|Arthur Conan Doyle
He was denounced by priest and publican as a subverter of morals.
Melomaniacs|James Huneker
If the publican had expected a burst of angry language from the sailor, he was agreeably disappointed.
The Knight of the Golden Melice|John Turvill Adams
Dalton would have been amazed could he have looked into Aunt Claudia's mind and have seen himself a—Publican.
The Trumpeter Swan|Temple Bailey

The lobbyist revived the subject of politics, the publican went after hot water for a punch, and the eavesdroppers slipped away.
John March, Southerner|George W. Cable

British Dictionary definitions for publican

publican

noun

(in Britain) a person who keeps a public house

(in ancient Rome) a public contractor, esp one who farmed the taxes of a province

Word Origin for publican

C12: from Old French publicain, from Latin pūblicānus tax gatherer, from pūblicum state revenues

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

Word Origin and History for publican

publican

c.1200, "tax-gatherer," from Old French publician (12c.), from Latin publicanus "a tax collector," noun use of an adjective, "pertaining to public revenue," from publicum "public revenue," noun use of neuter of publicus (see public (adj.)). Original sense in Matt. xviii:17, etc.; meaning "keeper of a pub" first recorded 1728, from public (house) + -an.