Definition of publican

Email this page to a friend

< public-address system

public assistance >

pub·li·can    (pbl-kn) KEY 

NOUN:

1. Chiefly British The keeper of a public house or tavern.
2. A collector of public taxes or tolls in the ancient Roman Empire.
3. A collector of taxes or tribute from the public.

---

ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, tax collector, from Old French, from Latin pblicnus, from pblicum, public revenue, from neuter of pblicus, public ; see public