privateersman

[ prahy-vuh-teerz-muhn ]

noun

, plural pri·va·teers·men.

1. an officer or sailor of a privateer.

Word History and Origins

Origin of privateersman¹

An Americanism dating back to 1770–80; privateer + 's ¹ + -man

Example Sentences

On the 19th of July the act Was amended, and two per cent. placed in the hands of the Secretary of the Treasury, and privateersmen put on the pension list with the navy.

From Project Gutenberg

"These borrowings from the Spaniards," he says, "have this advantage attending them, that there is no obligation to repay them," and there was war between the two crowns, so that he was a legal privateersman.

From Project Gutenberg

When they heard the latter, some said they wished they had known it before they left the West Indies, as they might have turned privateersmen, and have enriched themselves.

From Project Gutenberg

A schooner could do better than a square-rigged vessel under such circumstances, but that wind was an aggravating trial to a ship-load of excited privateersmen.

From Project Gutenberg

The privateersmen were landed lower down the river, and at about seven in the evening Sir John was brought on board the Ruby.

From Project Gutenberg