privateer

Meanings

Noun

• A privately owned warship that had official sanction to attack enemy 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.
• A racing team that is not a subsidiary of a large conglomerate, or automotive/vehicle manufacturer.

Verb

• To function under official sanction permitting attacks on enemy shipping and seizing ship and cargo; to engage in government-sponsored piracy.
• To advocate or benefit from privatization of government services.

Origin

• From private + -eer, probably after volunteer.