publican

[ puhb-li-kuhn ]

noun

1. Chiefly British. a person who owns or manages a tavern; the keeper of a pub.
2. Roman History. a person who collected public taxes.
3. any collector of taxes, tolls, tribute, or the like.

publican

/ ˈpʌblɪkən /

noun

1. (in Britain) a person who keeps a public house
2. (in ancient Rome) a public contractor, esp one who farmed the taxes of a province

Word History and Origins

Origin of publican¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of publican¹

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

Example Sentences

The profits were beyond all reason, and the word publican became a synonym for sinner.

From Project Gutenberg

You have taxed and controlled the brewer and the publican until the outraged Liquor Interest has become a national danger.

From Project Gutenberg

If he decline, there is nothing left but excommunication: "Let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican."

From Project Gutenberg

It was a severer trial for the publican, “To-day I must abide with thee,” than the mere summons to “Make haste, and come down.”

From Project Gutenberg

The poor publican made use of both in his prayer: "God be merciful to me a sinner."

From Project Gutenberg