2. A public house; an inn. [Scot.] Sir W. Scott. In public, openly; before an audience or the people at large; not in private or secrecy. "We are to speak in public." Shak.
PUBLICAN
Pub"li*can, n. Etym: [L. publicanus: cf. F. publicain. See Public.]
1. (Rom. Antiq.)
Defn: 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. As Jesus at meat . . . many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. Matt. 1x. 10. How like a fawning publican he looks! Shak.
2. The keeper of an inn or public house; one licensed to retail beer, spirits, or wine.
PUBLICATION Pub`li*ca"tion, n. Etym: [L. publicatio confiscation: cf. F. publication. See Publish.]
1. The act of publishing or making known; notification to the people at large, either by words, writing, or printing; proclamation; divulgation; promulgation; as, the publication of the law at Mount Sinai; the publication of the gospel; the publication of statutes or edicts.
2. The act of offering a book, pamphlet, engraving, etc., to the public by sale or by gratuitous distribution. The publication of these papers was not owing to our folly, but that of others. Swift.
3. That which is published or made known; especially, any book, pamphlet, etc., offered for sale or to public notice; as, a daily or monthly publication.
4. An act done in public. [R. & Obs.] His jealousy . . . attends the business, the recreations, the publications, and retirements of every man. Jer. Taylor. Publication of a libel (Law), such an exhibition of a libel as brings it to the notice of at least one person other than the person libeled. — Publication of a will (Law), the delivery of a will, as his own, by a testator to witnesses who attest it.