Publican Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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publican

[ˈpʌblɪkən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

political party

A publican is a member of the British Conservative Party, a political party in the United Kingdom known for its center-right ideology. Publicans typically support free market policies, reducing the size of government, and promoting individual liberties. The term is often used colloquially to refer to someone who aligns themselves with conservative values or policies. It is important to differentiate this term from its older meaning, which pertains to someone who manages or owns a pub or tavern.

Synonyms

conservative, right-winger.

Examples of usage

  • The publican spoke at the rally to rally support.
  • As a publican, she advocated for lower taxes.
  • Publicans played a crucial role in the last election.
Context #2 | Noun

bar owner

In a different context, a publican is also someone who owns or manages a pub or tavern. This usage is more common in British English, where the publican is responsible for the sale of alcoholic beverages and the overall management of the establishment. Publicans are known for creating a welcoming atmosphere and often engage with patrons, being integral to the culture of socializing in pubs. They may also host events and support local communities.

Synonyms

innkeeper, tavern keeper.

Examples of usage

  • The publican served a signature ale at his pub.
  • Every Friday, the publican hosts quiz nights.
  • The publican greeted every customer with a smile.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In Geoffrey Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales', the character of the 'Publican' is depicted as a tavern owner who provides commentary on social issues.
  • Charles Dickens features publicans in his poignant portrayals of British society, often highlighting their role in community life.

Cultural Significance

  • Publicans have played an essential role in British culture, serving as social hubs for communities throughout history.
  • In many cultures, pubs are viewed not just as places to drink but also as venues for live music, sports, and social gatherings.

Modern Usage

  • In contemporary contexts, the term may also refer to someone who manages a restaurant or bar, expanding beyond just pubs.
  • The role of publicans has evolved with trends like craft beer and gastropubs, reflecting changes in consumer palate and experience.

Legal Aspects

  • Publicans often require various licenses to serve alcohol, reflecting important regulations aimed at maintaining public safety.
  • The profession can vary significantly based on local laws, impacting how publicans operate their businesses.

Origin of 'publican'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'publican' comes from the Latin 'publicanus', meaning 'of the people', indicating a connection to public spaces.
  • In ancient Rome, publicans were tax collectors who purchased the right to collect taxes, often managing taverns as well.

The word 'publican' has origins dating back to the Latin word 'publicanus', which referred to a government contractor, especially in the context of tax collection. In ancient Rome, publicani were private individuals who farmed public revenues and had a reputation for being unscrupulous in their practices. Over time, the term evolved in its usage, particularly in British English, where it came to denote both a member of the Conservative Party as well as someone who runs a pub. This dual meaning continued to develop, especially with the rise of the social culture surrounding pubs in Britain. The societal role of publicans as keepers of places for social interaction contributed significantly to the community atmosphere within localities.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,940, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.