publican

[ puhb-li-kuhn ]

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.

publican

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of publican¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of publican¹

C12: from Old French publicain, from Latin pūblicānus tax gatherer, from pūblicum state revenues

Example Sentences

Mr McDowall said that if it is removed, small publicans will see their business rates bill quadruple from April.

From BBC

I've had a month in rehab for alcoholism - quite ironic being a publican.

From BBC

A publican and a theatre director walked into a bar.

From BBC

Travel agents recorded the biggest rise in pay last year, up 21% in a year, official data shows, with public relations directors and publicans next on the list.

From BBC

Ms Elliott said the event brings brewers, publicans and their customers together in the city, and helps to "keep the industry going through challenging economic times".

From BBC