corsair

[ kawr-sair ]

noun

1. a fast ship used for piracy.
2. a pirate, especially formerly of the Barbary Coast.
3. Corsair, Military. a gull-winged, propeller-driven fighter plane built for the U.S. Navy in World War II and kept in service into the early 1950s.

corsair

/ ˈkɔːsɛə /

noun

1. a pirate
2. a privateer, esp of the Barbary Coast

Word History and Origins

Origin of corsair¹

First recorded in 1540–50; from Middle French corsaire, from Provençal corsar(i), from Upper Italian corsaro, from Medieval Latin cursārius, equivalent to Latin curs(us) course + -ārius -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of corsair¹

C15: from Old French corsaire pirate, from Medieval Latin cursārius, from Latin cursus a running, course

Example Sentences

Ottoman territories like Algeria were almost wholly autonomous but lacked an official navy, relying on corsairs to protect their coasts.

From National Geographic

Much of its layout dates back to its time as an Ottoman protectorate and entrepot for corsair plunder, in the centuries before a French expeditionary force landed at Sidi Ferruch in 1830.

From Washington Post

Barbary corsairs built coastal watchtowers in the 17th century that still flank several harbors.

From Washington Post

The Lancia Aurelia America is an Italian classic, and the European designers borrowed wraparound windshields and corsair bumper design from their U.S. counterparts.

From New York Times

Ching Shih began as a pirate's wife, but when her husband died she took control of his band of corsairs herself.

From BBC