1. the practice of attacking and robbing enemy ships during wartime under government authorization
Usage: historical; nautical

Examples

• Privateering was common during the American Revolution.
• The government issued letters of marque to authorize privateering.
• Many sailors turned to privateering as a way to serve their country and make money.
• Privateering differed from piracy because it had official government backing.
• The practice of privateering was eventually outlawed by international treaty.
• Colonial privateering helped weaken British naval power.
• Privateering ships were privately owned but operated under government license.