privateer

== English == === Etymology === From private +‎ -eer probably after volunteer, shortened from the original term "Private Man-of-war". === Pronunciation === (UK) IPA(key): /ˌpɹaɪ.vəˈtɪə/ (US) IPA(key): /ˌpɹaɪ.vəˈtɪɚ/ Rhymes: -ɪə(ɹ) === Noun === privateer (plural privateers) (historical) A privately owned warship that acted under a letter of marque to attack enemy merchant ships and take possession of their cargo. [from 17th c.] (historical) An officer or any other member of the crew of such a ship; a government-sanctioned pirate. [from 17th c.] [from 17th c.] An advocate or beneficiary of privatization of a government service or activity. (motor racing, chiefly Canada, US, Australia) A private individual entrant into a race or competition who does not have the backing of a large, professional team. [from 20th c.] (motor racing, elite championships) A racing team that is not a subsidiary of a large conglomerate, or automotive or vehicle manufacturer. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Related terms ==== buccaneer profiteer ==== Translations ==== ==== See also ==== letter of marque (motor racing): works team === Verb === privateer (third-person singular simple present privateers, present participle privateering, simple past and past participle privateered) To function under official sanction permitting attacks on enemy shipping and seizing ship and cargo; to engage in government-sponsored piracy. [from 17th c.] To advocate or benefit from privatization of government services.