pensionary

American  

[pen-shuh-ner-ee] / ˈpɛn ʃəˌnɛr i /

noun

plural

pensionaries

1. a pensioner.

2. a hireling.

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adjective

1. of the nature of a pension.

2. receiving a pension.

pensionary British  

/ ˈpɛnʃənərɪ /

adjective

1. constituting a pension

2. maintained by or receiving a pension

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noun

1. a person whose service can be bought; hireling

Etymology

Origin of pensionary

From the Medieval Latin word pēnsiōnārius, dating back to 1530–40. See pension, -ary

Example Sentences

Estrades, an anecdote related by him of prince Henry Frederic of Nassau, 107 Is displeased with Peter Grotius pensionary of Amsterdam, 348.

From The Life of the Truly Eminent and Learned Hugo Grotius Containing a Copious and Circumstantial History of the Several Important and Honourable Negotiations in Which He Was Employed; together with a Critical Account of His Works by Burigny, Jean Lévesque de

His father was pensionary officer of justice; and the family, which consisted of three sons and two daughters, lived in the most delightful domestic harmony.

From The Student-Life of Germany by Howitt, William

He studied law, became pensionary of Middelburg, went as ambassador to England, was Grand Pensionary of Holland, and, while he performed the duties of these offices with zeal and rectitude, he devotedly cultivated poetry.

From Holland, v. 1 (of 2) by Zimmern, Helen

It has made a degrading pensionary establishment, to which no man of liberal ideas or liberal condition will destine his children.

From The Works of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke, Vol. 03 (of 12) by Burke, Edmund

In 1650 he was appointed pensionary of Dort, an office which made him the leader and spokesman of the town's deputation in the state of Holland.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 3 "Destructors" to "Diameter" by Various