letter of marque
English
editAlternative forms
editNoun
editletter of marque (plural letters of marque)
- (nautical, historical) An official commission from a government authorizing someone to seize the property or people of another nation; especially to attack merchant shipping of another nation.
- 1976, Stan Rogers (lyrics and music), “Barrett's Privateers”, in Fogarty's Cove:
- A letter of marque came from the King / to the scummiest vessel I'd ever seen / God damn them all! I was told / We'd cruise the seas for American gold / We'd fire no guns, shed no tears.
- (nautical, historical) A ship that has been armed for such a task.
Translations
editofficial commission
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ship that has been armed for such a task
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See also
editFurther reading
edit- letter of marque on Wikipedia.Wikipedia