Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

letter-of-marque-and-reprisal

noun

/ˈlɛtər əv mɑrk ənd rɪˈpraɪzəl/

Definition

A government license that authorizes an individual to seize or destroy the property of another nation or its citizens, typically in the context of maritime warfare.

Examples

The privateer set sail with a letter-of-marque-and-reprisal, ready to engage enemy vessels.
Historically, letters-of-marque-and-reprisal were common during the age of sail, enabling pirates to act legally on behalf of their nation.

Meaning

The term refers to a formal document issued by a government allowing private individuals to capture enemy ships and their cargo, offering legal protection for these actions during wartime.