1. a person who owns or manages a pub or tavern
Usage: chiefly British
2. in ancient Rome, a tax collector, especially one who collected taxes for the Roman government
Usage: historical

Examples

• The friendly publican greeted us as we entered the village pub.
• She worked as a publican for twenty years before retiring.
• The local publican organized a charity event for the community.
• In biblical times, publicans were often despised for collecting taxes.
• The publican served fresh ale to the weary travelers.
• He bought the old inn and became the new publican.
• The publican’s wife helped serve meals in the tavern.