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 old ship museum has a model of a famous privateer.
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Stories of fearless privateers are still told in old port towns.
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The privateer sailed under the British flag.
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A privateer needed permission from the government to attack enemy ships.
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Unlike pirates, privateers had official papers to attack enemies.
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That merchant ship was captured by a French privateer during the war.
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