privateer Definition
- 1an armed ship owned and officered by private individuals holding a government commission and authorized for use in war, especially in the capture of enemy merchant shipping
- 2a person authorized by a government or sovereign to attack and capture enemy vessels during wartime
Using privateer: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "privateer" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
During the war, the British navy used privateers to attack French merchant ships.
Example
The privateer was commissioned to capture any Spanish ships it encountered.
Example
The privateer's crew was made up of experienced sailors and soldiers.
privateer Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with privateer
official documents issued by a government authorizing a person to attack and capture enemy vessels during wartime
Example
The privateer carried letters of marque and reprisal from the British government.
privateer's license
an official document issued by a government authorizing a private ship to attack and capture enemy vessels during wartime
Example
The privateer's license allowed the ship to capture any French vessels it encountered.
Example
The privateer's crew received a large amount of prize money for capturing the Spanish galleon.
Origins of privateer
from French 'privatier', from 'private', meaning 'private individual'
Summary: privateer in Brief
A 'privateer' [ˌpraɪvəˈtɪr] is a privately owned and operated ship that has been authorized by a government to attack and capture enemy vessels during wartime. It was commonly used in the past to capture enemy merchant ships. The privateer's crew was often made up of experienced sailors and soldiers, and they were awarded prize money for capturing enemy vessels. Other terms associated with privateers include 'letters of marque and reprisal' and 'privateer's license.'
