privateers
nounUK /ˌpraɪvəˈtɪəz/
US /ˌpraɪvəˈtɪrz/
Privateers are ships or sailors that a country allows to attack and rob the ships of its enemies.
Long ago, privateers sailed the seas to capture treasure from enemy ships.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. People who own or command such armed ships.
The privateers shared the captured goods with the king.
3. To sail or act as a privateer.
They privateered along the coast during the war.
4. Armed ships given permission by a government to fight.
The harbor was full of privateers ready for battle.