Pūb'li-can, n.
n. [Lat. publicanus, Fr. publicain, Pr. publican, Sp. & Pg. publicano, It. publicano. See supra.]
Sense 1. (Rom. Antiq.) A farmer of the taxes and public revenues; hence, a collector of toll or tribute. The inferior officers of this class were often oppressive in their exactions, and were regarded with great detestation.
As Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. Matt. ix. 10.
Sense 2. The keeper of an inn or public house; one licensed to retail beer, spirits, or wine.
How like a fawning publican he looks! Shak.