CultureJuly 21, 2026

publican

/ˈpʌblɪkən/

Definition

The owner or manager of a pub or bar.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'publicanus,' which originally referred to a tax collector. In modern English, it evolved to refer to a person who keeps a public house, or 'pub'.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe female bar owners who are supporting one another while navigating the challenges of operating nightlife venues in San Francisco. It highlights their role in maintaining community spaces.

Thee Parkside closes, and San Francisco loses a piece of itself

Read the full article ↗

San Francisco Examiner

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