freebooter

[ free-boo-ter ]

noun

1. a person who goes about in search of plunder; pirate; buccaneer.

freebooter

/ ˈfriːˌbuːtə /

noun

1. a person, such as a pirate, living from plunder
2. informal.
   a person, esp an itinerant, who seeks pleasure, wealth, etc, without responsibility

Word History and Origins

Origin of freebooter¹

1560–70; Anglicization of Dutch vrijbuiter, equivalent to vrij free + buit booty ¹ + -er -er ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of freebooter¹

C16: from Dutch vrijbuiter , from vrijbuit booty; see filibuster

Example Sentences

The term “filibuster” began appearing in the mid-19th century, derived from a Dutch term for “freebooter” and the Spanish “filibusteros,” which were used to describe pirates, Senate records show.

From Seattle Times

The word comes from a Dutch term for “freebooter” and the Spanish “filibusteros” that were used to describe pirates.

From Seattle Times

Suddenly the mask of insolence dropped from the phantom freebooter’s countenance.

From Washington Times

Those who survived possibly ended being sold as slaves, or joined the growing number of refugees and lawless freebooters as societies broke down.

From BBC

Sometimes criminals—robbers, brigands, freebooters, highwaymen, hooligans, thugs, bandits, pirates, gangsters, outlaws—organize or join together in gangs or bands or mafias.

From Literature

Related Words

• bandit
• looter
• robber