publican

[ puhb-li-kuh n ]

/ ˈpʌb lɪ kən /

Chiefly British. a person who owns or manages a tavern; the keeper of a pub.

Roman History. a person who collected public taxes.

any collector of taxes, tolls, tribute, or the like.

Origin of publican

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

"I'm sure, sir, you may well be proud to have outed him in one round," said the publican.

The Croxley Master: A Great Tale Of The Prize Ring |Arthur Conan Doyle
He was denounced by priest and publican as a subverter of morals.

Melomaniacs |James Huneker
If the publican had expected a burst of angry language from the sailor, he was agreeably disappointed.

The Knight of the Golden Melice |John Turvill Adams
Dalton would have been amazed could he have looked into Aunt Claudia's mind and have seen himself a—Publican.

The Trumpeter Swan |Temple Bailey

The lobbyist revived the subject of politics, the publican went after hot water for a punch, and the eavesdroppers slipped away.

John March, Southerner |George W. Cable

publican

/ (ˈpʌblɪkən) /

(in Britain) a person who keeps a public house

(in ancient Rome) a public contractor, esp one who farmed the taxes of a province

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