privateersman

[ prahy-vuh-teerz-muh n ]

/ ˌpraɪ vəˈtɪərz mən /

an officer or sailor of a privateer.

Origin of privateersman

An Americanism dating back to 1770–80; privateer + 's¹ + -man

In spite of this order—he continued to reside in Italy, with the true independence of a privateersman.

Famous Privateersmen and Adventurers of the Sea |Charles H. L. Johnston
Captain William Wanton, of Portsmouth, took out a commission as privateersman and brought in several valuable prizes.

A short history of Rhode Island |George Washington Greene
"It won't take a six-mule team to draw that one," added the privateersman, rather sourly for the first time.

Stand By The Union |Oliver Optic
Sir,” said the angry old sailor, “such an officer is at least in no danger of being mistaken for a privateersman.

Rodney Stone |Arthur Conan Doyle

The privateersman was treated with the greatest courtesy and was made as comfortable as could be.

Famous Privateersmen and Adventurers of the Sea |Charles H. L. Johnston