Privateer

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ËŒpɹaɪvəˈtɪə/
• US IPA: /ËŒpɹaɪvəˈtɪəɹ/
• Rhymes: -ɪə(ɹ)

Origin

From private + -eer, on the model of volunteer.

Noun

1. (nautical) A privately owned warship that had official sanction to attack enemy ships and take possession of their cargo.
2. An officer or any other member of the crew of such a ship.
• MacaulayKidd soon threw off the character of a privateer and became a pirate.
3. (motor racing) A private individual entrant into a race or competition who does not have the backing of a large, professional team.

Full definition of privateer

Verb

1. To function under official sanction permitting attacks on enemy shipping and seizing ship and cargo; to engage in government-sponsored piracy.