privateer

[ prahy-vuh-teer ]

noun

1. an armed ship that is privately owned and manned, commissioned by a government to fight or harass enemy ships.
2. privateersman.

verb (used without object)

1. to cruise as a privateer.

privateer

/ ˌpraɪvəˈtɪə /

noun

1. an armed, privately owned vessel commissioned for war service by a government
2. Also calledprivateersman a commander or member of the crew of a privateer

verb

1. a competitor, esp in motor racing, who is privately financed rather than sponsored by a manufacturer
2. intr to serve as a privateer

Word History and Origins

Origin of privateer¹

1640–50; private + -eer, modeled on volunteer

Example Sentences

She either became a privateer herself, taking to the Mediterranean Sea to attack Spanish holdings such as Gibraltar, or she licensed privateers to attack Spain in her name.

From Los Angeles Times

In theory, pirates plunder and pillage outside the law, while corsairs were privateers regulated by authorities.

From National Geographic

At this year's race all 62 cars, including the many privateer entries, run on a sustainable fuel made from vineyard grape skin waste.

From BBC

Dutch historian Ad van Liempt’s landmark book, “Hitler’s Bounty Hunters,” revealed a network of Dutch privateer “Jew hunters” who were paid “head money” for each person they delivered to the police.

From New York Times

Weeks later, the first enslaved people would arrive in a privateer’s ship at Point Comfort.

From Washington Post