Main Entry: pub·li·can

Pronunciation: \ˈpə-bli-kən\

Function: noun

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

Date: 13th century

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