Noun
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.
The keeper of an inn or public house; one licensed to retail beer, spirits, or wine.
Source: Webster's dictionaryMy dad never decided what he wanted to do; at times he fought in the army, was a teacher, a boxer, a light engineer, and a then a publican. My mum was a traditional housewife and mother. They showed my brother and I unconditional love. Anthony Browne
Well, I must say that the first man who threw peas at me was a publican.. William McGonagall
All apartments are eligible as I ever heard tell of, just as all shopkeepers, barring that publican next door, are respectable. Henry Savile Clarke
I was the son of a publican and a master builder. He ran the Empire Hotel in North Hobart. His name was Max, too. Big Max. Max Walker
“And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up unto the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. Source: Internet
And therefore if a man refuse to hear the Church let him be considered—so the Lord commands—as a heathen and a publican. Source: Internet