noun
1A bank owned and run by the government of a country, especially a central or national bank which issues currency, holds and manages exchange reserves, etc.
2US A bank holding a charter conferred by the state in which it is located, and subject to the banking laws of that state. Also more generally: a bank originating or located in a (specified) state.
In later use sometimes retained in the titles of privatized or corporate banks previously owned by or associated with a particular state.
Origin
Early 18th century; earliest use found in John Humfrey (bap. 1621, d. 1719), clergyman and ejected minister. From state + bank.
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