Publican
Black's Law Dictionary · Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
Black's Law Dictionary
In the civil law. A farmer of the public revenue; one who held a lease of some property from the public treasury.
Dig. 39, 4, 1, 1; Id. 39, 4, 12, 3 ; Id. 39, 4, 13.
In English law
Persons authorized by license to keep a public house, and retail therein, for consumption on or off the premises where sold, ail intoxicating liquors; also termed "licensed victuallers."
Wharton.