publican

American  

[puhb-li-kuhn] / ˈpʌb lɪ kən /

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.

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publican British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of publican

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

Example Sentences

“Some people thought it was a bit petulant,” said Dave Burns, a hotelier and publican in Christchurch who helped launch the campaign.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Instead, publicans are facing higher bills from April, which they simply can't afford."

From BBC

He is typical of publicans, who have seen the latest official valuations of their pubs soar.

From BBC

The tradition was started by four publicans who were thinking of ways to generate income after Stilton was bypassed by the A1 in 1959, Adam Leon, one of its organisers previously told the BBC.

From BBC

Like prime ministers, Phil has seen four long-term publicans oversee his work.

From BBC