1. privately owned armed ships authorized by a government to attack enemy vessels during wartime
Usage: historical; nautical
2. the commanders or crew members of such ships
Usage: historical

Examples

• British privateers harassed Spanish treasure ships in the Caribbean.
• The government issued letters of marque to privateers during the war.
• Famous privateers like Francis Drake served both crown and personal profit.
• American privateers captured hundreds of British merchant vessels.
• The distinction between privateers and pirates was often unclear.
• Privateers operated under official government authorization.
• Many privateers became wealthy from their captured prizes.