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



RESET




Word of the Day

18 June 2025

SOUARI

(noun) large South American evergreen tree trifoliate leaves and drupes with nutlike seeds used as food and a source of cooking oil


coffee icon

Coffee Trivia

According to Guinness World Records, the largest collection of coffee pots belongs to Robert Dahl (Germany) and consists of 27,390 coffee pots as of 2 November 2012, in Rövershagen, Germany.

coffee icon