publican

 
Pronunciation: /ˈpʌblɪk(ə)n/

noun

  • 1British a person who owns or manages a pub.
  • Australian a person who owns or manages a hotel.
  • 2(in ancient Roman and biblical times) a collector or farmer of taxes: publicans and sinners

Origin:

Middle English (in publican (sense 2)): from Old French publicain, from Latin publicanus, from publicum 'public revenue', neuter (used as a noun) of publicus 'of the people'. publican (sense 1) dates from the early 18th century