privateer
pri-va-teer
verb
To operate a privately owned armed ship to attack enemy shipping.
"Many captains chose to privateer during wartime."
noun
A privately owned armed ship authorised by government to attack enemy vessels.
"The privateer was swift and heavily armed."
noun
A sailor or ship owner authorised by government to attack enemy ships.
"The privateer captured enemy merchant vessels."
Thesaurus
Synonyms: privateersman