1. people who own or manage pubs (public houses)
Usage: British English
2. tax collectors in ancient Rome
Usage: historical; biblical

Examples

• The local publicans gathered to discuss new licensing regulations.
• Many publicans struggled during the pandemic lockdowns.
• The village publican has run the same establishment for twenty years.
• In the New Testament, Jesus ate with publicans and sinners.
• Roman publicans were often despised for their harsh tax collection methods.
• The publicans formed an association to protect their business interests.