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

He associated himself closely with his greater brother, the grand pensionary, and supported him throughout his career with great ability and vigour.

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

On the 4th of August John de Witt resigned the post of grand pensionary that he had held so long and with such distinction.

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

There were half a dozen ducal titles needing to be provided with ducal incomes, and obliging the king to become a dependent pensionary of the liberal paymaster in France.

From Lectures on Modern history by Acton, John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton, Baron

The great Cardinal was already Charles’s pensionary, but the pension was several years in arrear.

From The Divorce of Catherine of Aragon The Story as Told by the Imperial Ambassadors Resident at the Court of Henry VIII by Froude, J.A.

Crieff had its perpetual pensionary vicar in those days, and naturally enough he could see neither rhyme nor reason in the arrangement which a Pope had no doubt sanctioned, but which completely ignored his interests.

From Chronicles of Strathearn by Macdougall, W. B.