privateer privateer /ˈpraɪvətɪər/

noun

1. A privately owned warship commissioned to prey on the commercial shipping or warships of an enemy nation  ( privateer )
   a privately owned warship commissioned to prey on the commercial shipping or warships of an enemy nation
    In the past, privateers played a major role in naval warfare.
   In the past, privateers played a major role in naval warfare.
   
   
2. An officer or crew member of a privateer  ( privateer , privateersman )
   an officer or crew member of a privateer