noun

privateer

Privateer (noun) means a privately owned warship that acted under a letter of marque to attack enemy merchant ships and take possession of their cargo.

noun

A privately owned warship that acted under a letter of marque to attack enemy merchant ships and take possession of their cargo.

An officer or any other member of the crew of such a ship; a government-sanctioned pirate.

An advocate or beneficiary of privatization of a government service or activity.

A private individual entrant into a race or competition who does not have the backing of a large, professional team.

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Etymology

From private + -eer probably after volunteer, shortened from the original term "Private Man-of-war".

Rhymes for privateer

beer deer peer leer veer seer heer queer steer sneer cheer sheer

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of privateer?

"privateer" (noun) means a privately owned warship that acted under a letter of marque to attack enemy merchant ships and take possession of their cargo.

What are the different meanings of privateer?

"privateer" has 3 main meanings: 1. A privately owned warship that acted under a letter of marque to attack enemy merchant ships and take possession of their cargo; 2. An officer or any other member of the crew of such a ship; a government-sanctioned pirate; 3. An advocate or beneficiary of privatization of a government service or activity.