English Dictionary

privateer

/ˌpɹaɪ.vəˈtɪə/

noun

(historical) A privately owned warship that had official sanction to attack enemy ships and take possession of their cargo.

The privateer captured the enemy ship and claimed its treasures.

意味（1）

(historical) A privately owned warship that had official sanction to attack enemy ships and take possession of their cargo.

意味（2）

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

Kidd soon threw off the character of a privateer and became a pirate.

Kidd soon threw off the character of a privateer and became a pirate. [from 17th c.]

意味（3）

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

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.

意味（4）

(motor racing, chiefly Canada, US) A private individual entrant into a race or competition who does not have the backing of a large, professional team.

意味（5）

(motorsports, elite championships) A racing team that is not a subsidiary of a large conglomerate, or automotive/vehicle manufacturer.