victualer

American

[vit-l-er] / ˈvɪt l ər /

especially British, victualler

noun

a person who furnishes victuals, especially a sutler.
a supply ship.
Also called licensed victualer. British. the keeper of an inn or tavern, especially one licensed to sell liquor.

Etymology

Origin of victualer

1350–1400; Middle English vitailler < Anglo-French; Middle French vitail ( l ) ier. See victual, -er ²

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Their purpose: to force the Belgian Parliament to lift the ban forbidding a licensed victualer to sell spirits or even keep a bottle in the house in case of illness.

From Time Magazine Archive

I'm a licensed victualer and a gentleman—" "What do I want?

From A Son of Hagar A Romance of Our Time by Caine, Hall, Sir

"I fear you are not in such dire distress as to warrant my knocking up a licensed victualer," replied the sergeant.

From '?19,000' by Delannoy, Burford

As surely as the wolf retires before cities, does the fairy sequester herself from the haunts of the licensed victualer.

From An English Grammar by Sewell, James Witt

When the result of the election was announced, the successful candidate for representative bought out the remaining stock of the victualer, and invited his friends to help themselves, which they did with little ceremony.

From Vermont A Study of Independence by Robinson, Rowland E. (Evans)

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023