In the civil law. A farmer of the public revenue; one who held a lease of some property from the public treasury. Dig. 39, 4, 1, 1; Id. 39, 4, 12, 3 ; Id. 39, 4, 13. In English law. Persons authorized by license to keep a public house, and retail therein, for consumption on or off the premises where sold, ad intoxicating liquors ; also termed “licensed victuallers.” Wharton.