privateer

Definition

A privately owned warship that acted under a letter of marque to attack enemy merchant ships and take possession of their cargo.

Etymology

From private + -eer probably after volunteer, shortened from the original term "Private Man-of-war".

Example Sentences

• "Kidd soon threw off the character of a privateer and became a pirate."
• "This is a major victory, not only for CUPW because it will deter profit-hungry privateers from taking work away from CUPW members, but also because it gives union protection to those employed by the privateers."
• "Privateers, such as Osborne and Gaebler, promise that good competition will not become bad — will not become cutthroat competition — if good competition is "carefully structured and managed;""

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