PUBLICAN
publican, tavern keeper
(noun) the keeper of a public house
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
publican (plural publicans)
(British) The landlord of a public house.
(historical) A tax collector in Ancient Rome.
Source: Wiktionary
Pub"li*can, n. Etym: [L. publicanus: cf. F. publicain. See Public.]
1. (Rom. Antiq.)
Definition: A farmer of the taxes and public revenues; hence, a collector of toll or tribute. The inferior officers of this class were often oppressive in their exactions, and were regarded with great detestation. As Jesus at meat . . . many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. Matt. 1x. 10. How like a fawning publican he looks! Shak.
2. The keeper of an inn or public house; one licensed to retail beer, spirits, or wine.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
Recent Word Finds
Word of the Day
3 July 2025
SENSE
(noun) the faculty through which the external world is apprehended; “in the dark he had to depend on touch and on his senses of smell and hearing”
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