privateers
noun
Definitions
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.
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.
verb
Definitions
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.