1. pirates or raiders who plunder ships or coastal areas for personal gain
Usage: historical; nautical

Examples

• The Caribbean was once infested with freebooters who attacked Spanish treasure ships.
• Freebooters operated outside the law, answering to no government or authority.
• The coastal town lived in fear of freebooters who might raid their harbor.
• Many freebooters eventually settled down and became legitimate traders.
• The novel tells the story of notorious freebooters in the 17th century.
• Local militias were formed to defend against attacks by freebooters.