The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Publican \Pub"li*can\, n. [L. publicanus: cf. F. publicain. See
   Public.]
   1. (Rom. Antiq.) 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.
      [1913 Webster]

            As Jesus at meat . . . many publicans and sinners
            came and sat down with him and his disciples.
                                                  --Matt. 1x.
                                                  10.
      [1913 Webster]

            How like a fawning publican he looks! --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. The keeper of an inn or public house; one licensed to
      retail beer, spirits, or wine.
      [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

publican
    n 1: the keeper of a public house [syn: publican, tavern
         keeper]