tax-collector

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who collects taxes, especially one employed by a government or other authority to gather payments due from individuals or businesses.
   • In historical or biblical contexts, a tax collector (often called a publican) was an official responsible for collecting taxes in a region, sometimes known for corruption or harsh methods.

Usage Examples

• (A government employee gathering taxes.)
• (Historical reference to the role.)
• (A long-term professional in the role.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be a tax-collector": to hold the official position of gathering taxes.

  • He became a tax-collector after passing the civil service exam. (He entered the profession through official channels.)

• "tax-collector's office": the place or department where tax collection is managed.

  • The tax-collector's office was located in the town hall. (The physical location of the role.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tax-gatherer (n): a synonym for tax-collector, often used in older or historical texts.

  • The tax-gatherer demanded payment immediately. (The tax collector was insistent.)

• Tax collection (n): the process or act of gathering taxes.

  • Tax collection is a vital function of any government. (The broader activity related to the role.)

Synonyms

• Revenue officer: a person who collects revenue for a government.
• Assessor: someone who determines the value of property or income for tax purposes (though not always the collector).
• Publican: an archaic term for a tax collector in ancient Rome or biblical times.

Related Idioms

• "Tax-collector's smile": a forced or insincere smile, implying a person is trying to extract something from you.

  • He gave me a tax-collector's smile as he asked for my overdue payment. (A smile that suggests a demand for money.)

• "Like a tax-collector at a wedding": an expression describing someone who is unwelcome or out of place.

  • His sudden arrival was like a tax-collector at a wedding — everyone felt uneasy. (An unwelcome presence.)