letters of marque

• Historisches Rechtsdokument, das von einer Regierung ausgestellt wurde und ein privates Schiff (Kaperer) ermächtigte, im Krieg feindliche Schiffe anzugreifen und zu erbeuten. Diese Praxis ist nach heutigem Völkerrecht obsolet.

A historical legal document issued by a government authorizing a private ship (a privateer) to attack and capture enemy vessels during wartime. The practice is now obsolete under international law.

1. Government authorization for privateeringC2formal

   A legal document issued by a government authorizing a private ship (a privateer) to attack and capture enemy vessels during wartime.

   Staatliche Erlaubnis zum Kapern

   • The captain proudly displayed his letters of marque from the Crown.
   • Letters of marque were common during the age of sail.
   • Privateers operated under the authority of letters of marque.