Definition of publican

The term "publican" originated in ancient Rome and referred to a person in charge of managing public finances, such as tax collectors and customs officers. Latin has two words for public officials: "publicus" (meaning belonging to the state or common people) and "anactor" (meaning manager). The word "publicanus" was formed by combining these two words, indicating that these officials served the public and managed public funds. In the New Testament, "publican" is often used to describe tax collectors, who were considered despised social outcasts for collaborating with the Roman oppressors and exploiting their own people. However, the word "publican" didn't always carry negative connotations: before the Roman invasion of Britain, "publicani" were wealthy merchants and traders who owned large fleets and managed public sea transport and shipping lines, bringing Rome's trade and commerce to new heights. The English word "publican" came to English through the Old French "publiani," created by the Normans after the Norman Conquest of England. The term's Latin etymology and history give it a rich and varied present-day meaning, as it can refer to anyone managing public finances, from bureaucrats to bartenders who collect a cover charge in pubs.