Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
privateer
noun
/ˌpraɪ.vɪˈtɪr/
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Definition
A privateer is a private person or ship authorized by a government to attack foreign vessels during wartime.
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Examples
- During the 17th century, many privateers were commissioned to capture Spanish treasure ships.
- One famous privateer was Sir Francis Drake, who claimed several Spanish ships for England.
- The role of a privateer became less significant with the rise of the modern navy.
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Meaning
In the context of naval warfare, a privateer operates with the legal permission of a government to engage in acts of piracy against enemy ships.
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Synonyms
- corsair
- buccaneer
- raider
- pirate (in specific historical contexts)