publican
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pub·li·can

noun \ˈpə-bli-kən\

Definition of PUBLICAN

1
a : a Jewish tax collector for the ancient Romans
b : a collector of taxes or tribute
2
chiefly British : the licensee of a public house

Origin of PUBLICAN

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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