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pensionary

 - 3 dictionary results

pen⋅sion⋅ar⋅y

  [pen-shuh-ner-ee] noun, plural -ar⋅ies, adjective
Use pensionary in a Sentence
–noun
1. a pensioner.
2. a hireling.
–adjective
3. of the nature of a pension.
4. receiving a pension.
Origin:
1530–40; < ML pēnsiōnārius. See pension, -ary
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To pensionary
pen·sion·ar·y   (pěn'shə-něr'ē)   
adj.  

  1. Constituting a pension.

  2. Mercenary; venal.

n.   pl. pen·sion·ar·ies

  1. A pensioner.

  2. A hireling.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Encyclopedia

pensionary

powerful political office in the Dutch Republic (United Provinces; 1579-1795). Pensionaries, originally the secretaries and legal advisers of the town corporations, were first appointed in the 15th century. They were members of the town delegations in the provincial States (assemblies). The pensionaries of the provinces of Holland and Zeeland were particularly influential and, by the end of the 16th century, virtually dominated certain city governments.

Learn more about pensionary with a free trial on Britannica.com.

Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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