I. ˈpenchəˌnerē, -ri noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French pensionnaire, from Medieval Latin pensionarius, from pension-, pensio pension + -arius -ary
1. : pensioner ; especially : hireling
those who predicted ill success for France in the cafes were suspected of being pensionaries … of the … English chargé d'affaires — Evelyn G. Cruickshanks
2.
[translation of Middle Dutch pensionarijs, pensionaris ]
: an official of the province of Holland or one of its cities during the 17th and 18th centuries giving legal counsel, representing the city or province in the provincial or general legislature, and in the case of the provincial pensionary presiding over the provincial legislature
II. adjective
Etymology: Medieval Latin pensionarius
1. : receiving a pension : serving as a pensionary
2. : consisting of a pension