Pēn'sion-a-ry1, a.
a. [It. & Sp. pensionario. See supra.]
- Maintained by a pension; receiving a pension; as, pensionary spies. Donne.
- Consisting of a pension; as, a pensionary provision for maintenance.
2 entries under this word
Pensionary
Pēn'sion-a-ry2, n.
n. [Fr. pensionnaire, It. & Sp. pensionario. See supra.]
Sense 1. A person who receives a pension from government for past services, or a yearly allowance from some prince, company, or individual.
Sense 2. Hence, one of the chief municipal magistrates of the towns in Holland and Zealand. Macaulay.
Grand pensionary, the prime minister of the state or republic of Holland.