Publican, a collector of Roman tribute. Matthew 18:17. The principal fanners of this revenue were men of great credit and influence, but the under-farmers, or common publicans', were remarkable, for their rapacity and extortion, and were accounted as oppressive thieves and pickpockets. Hence the Jews classed them with sinners, and would not allow them to enter the temple or the synagogues, to partake of the public prayers or offices of judicature, or to give testimony in a court of justice.