noun
privateer
Privateer (noun) means a privately owned ship licensed by a government to attack and seize enemy trading vessels.
noun
1
A privately owned ship licensed by a government to attack and seize enemy trading vessels.
2
A crew member of such a ship, acting as a pirate with official approval.
3
A person who supports, or gains from, moving a public service into private hands.
"Privatization advocates, or “privateers,” peddle the simple message that privatization is always good."
— Peter Downs, Schoolhouse Shams: Myths and Misinformation in School Reform (2013)
"Privateers, such as Osborne and Gaebler, promise that good competition will not become bad — will not become cutthroat competition — if good competition is "carefully structured and managed;""
— George Beam, Quality Public Management: What it is and how it Can be Improved and … (2001)
"This is a major victory, not only for CUPW because it will deter profit-hungry privateers from taking work away from CUPW members, but also because it gives union protection to those employed by the privateers."
— British Columbia. Forensic Psychiatric Services Commission, Summary of Proceedings (1985)
4
A competitor who enters a race or contest independently, without the support of a major team.
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Etymology
Formed from private and -eer, probably modelled on volunteer, and shortened from the original term "Private Man-of-war".
Synonyms
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privateersman
Rhymes for privateer
See all rhymes for privateer →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of privateer?
"privateer" (noun) means a privately owned ship licensed by a government to attack and seize enemy trading vessels.
What is another word for privateer?
Other words for "privateer" include privateersman.
What are the different meanings of privateer?
"privateer" has 3 main meanings: 1. A privately owned ship licensed by a government to attack and seize enemy trading vessels; 2. A crew member of such a ship, acting as a pirate with official approval; 3. A person who supports, or gains from, moving a public service into private hands.
