Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

publican

Noun

/ˈpʌb.lɪ.kən/

Definition

A publican is a person who owns or manages a pub or tavern.

Examples

The publican welcomed everyone with a warm smile as they entered the pub.
After a long day at work, he enjoyed unwinding at the local publican.
During the festival, the publican served a wide variety of local ales and brews.

Meaning

In historical contexts, publicans were tax collectors for the Roman Empire, but in modern usage, it refers primarily to someone who operates a drinking establishment.