privateer

A ship privately owned and crewed but authorized by a government during wartime to attack and capture enemy vessels.

The commander or one of the crew of such a ship.

To sail as a privateer.

To cruise in a privateer for the purpose of seizing an enemy’s ships or annoying his commerce.

An armed vessel owned and officered by private persons, but acting under a commission from the state usually called letters of marque.

The commander of, or a man serving on board of, a privateer.

An armed private vessel which bears the commission of the sovereign power to cruise against the enemy. See Letters of marque, under marque.

The commander of a privateer.

To cruise in a privateer.

A privately owned warship that had official sanction to attack enemy ships and take possession of their cargo.