privateer

• Nom désignant un navire armé privé autorisé par un gouvernement à attaquer les navires ennemis en temps de guerre, ou la personne servant sur un tel navire.

A noun referring to a privately owned warship authorized by a government to attack enemy shipping, or a person serving on such a vessel.

1. Privately owned warshipC1formal

   A privately owned and operated ship that is authorized by a government to attack and capture enemy vessels during wartime.

   Navire de guerre privé

   • The privateer sailed under a letter of marque from the king.
   • During the war, many privateers were hired to disrupt enemy trade routes.
   • The privateer captured several enemy merchant ships and brought them to port.

   Synonymescorsairletter of marque

2. Crew member or officerC1formal

   A person who serves as a sailor or commander on a privately owned warship authorized to attack enemy shipping.

   Corsaire

   • The privateer was celebrated as a hero for his successful raids.
   • Many experienced sailors became privateers during the conflict.
   • The privateer and his crew shared the spoils of their captured vessels.

   Synonymescorsairprivateersman