publican

noun pub·li·can \ˈpə-bli-kən\

: someone who owns or manages a pub

Full Definition of PUBLICAN

a : a Jewish tax collector for the ancient Romans

b : a collector of taxes or tribute

chiefly British : the licensee of a public house

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Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin publicanus tax farmer, from publicum public revenue, from neuter of publicus

First Known Use: 13th century

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