Buccaneer
/ˈbʌkəˌnɪər/
Definitions
- (n.) A privateer or pirate, especially in the Caribbean during the 17th century, sometimes engaged under commission.
The buccaneer captured several ships during the golden age of piracy.
Commentary
The term historically refers to a quasi-legal pirate, often operating under letters of marque; modern legal relevance mainly arises in historical discussions of maritime law and the distinction between lawful privateering and piracy.