In public, openly; before an audience or the people at large; not in
private or secrecy. "We are to speak in public." Shak.
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.
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.
Pub`li*ca"tion (?), n. [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.