What is another word for privateer?
Pronunciation: [pɹˌa͡ɪvətˈi͡ə] (IPA) 
A privateer is a person who is authorized to engage in maritime warfare, but is not employed by any nation's military forces. There are several synonyms for this word, including private armed vessel, letter of marque, corsair, pirate, and buccaneer. A private armed vessel is a ship that is equipped with weapons and is privately owned, whereas a letter of marque is an official document authorizing a private person or vessel to conduct warfare against enemy ships or trade. A corsair is a pirate that operates in the Mediterranean, while a buccaneer is a pirate that operates in the Caribbean. All of these terms refer to individuals or groups who act as a quasi-military force on the high seas.
