pirate

¹pi·rate

noun \ˈpī-rət\

Definition of PIRATE

: one who commits or practices piracy

— pi·rat·i·cal \pə-ˈra-ti-kəl, pī-\ adjective

— pi·rat·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Examples of PIRATE

1. the famous pirate Jean Lafitte
2. A software pirate made bootleg copies of the computer program.

Origin of PIRATE

Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin pirata, from Greek peiratēs, from peiran to attempt — more at fear

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PIRATE

Synonyms: buccaneer, corsair, freebooter, rover

Related Words: despoiler, looter, marauder, pillager, plunderer, raider, robber; privateer

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Other Nautical Terms

avast, aweigh, flotsam, jib, keel, lee, port, starboard, stay