Privateer Meaning in English
word
Definition
A privateer is a privately owned ship or the captain of such a ship, authorized by a government during war to attack enemy ships.
Usage & Nuances
Historical and formal word; mainly found in discussions about maritime history. Not the same as 'pirate'—a privateer had government permission, while pirates acted illegally. Common collocation: 'licensed privateer.'
Example Sentences
The privateer sailed under the British flag.
basic
A privateer needed permission from the government to attack enemy ships.
basic
The old ship museum has a model of a famous privateer.
basic
Unlike pirates, privateers had official papers to attack enemies.
natural
That merchant ship was captured by a French privateer during the war.
natural
Stories of fearless privateers are still told in old port towns.
natural