Definition

1. Noun:
   • A license to a private citizen to seize property of another nation: A "letter of marque" is an official document, historically issued by a government during wartime, that authorizes a private person (known as a privateer) to attack and capture merchant vessels belonging to a hostile nation. It is a form of legalized piracy.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The government issued a letter of marque to the ship's captain, authorizing him to capture enemy merchant ships.
  • Operating under a letter of marque, the privateer was legally distinct from a pirate.

Advanced Usage

• "To sail under a letter of marque": To operate as a privateer with official authorization.
  • The vessel sailed under a letter of marque, targeting only ships from the opposing nation.

Variants and Related Words

• Letter of marque and reprisal (n phrase): A fuller, more formal historical term for the same authorization.
• Privateer (n): A person or ship authorized by a letter of marque to conduct attacks.
• Marque (n, archaic): Refers to seizure or capture; the act of reprisal.

Synonyms

• Privateering commission: An official authorization for privateering.
• License to privateer: A permit granting privateering rights.

Related Phrases

• To hold a letter of marque: To possess such authorization.
  • Few captains held a valid letter of marque, making others mere pirates in the eyes of the law.

Related Idioms

• This is a specific historical and legal term.

Noun

1. a license to a private citizen to seize property of another nation