Letter of Marque
/ˈlɛtər əv mɑrk/
Definitions
- (n.) A government license authorizing a private person to attack and capture enemy vessels during wartime.
The captain operated under a letter of marque, legally seizing enemy ships.
Forms
- letters of marque
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Often issued during wartime, letters of marque empower private parties as lawful combatants; modern usage is rare and heavily regulated.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.