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



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Word of the Day

3 April 2025

WHOLE

(noun) an assemblage of parts that is regarded as a single entity; “how big is that part compared to the whole?”; “the team is a unit”


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