Privateer
A privateer is not exactly the same thing as a pirate, though the distinction is subtle.
A privateer has letters of marque, which authorize private owners of ships (not official navy) to prey on enemy shipping during time of war, and they were sometimes called "gentleman pirates."
Captain Kidd started off a privateer, authorized by the King, but desperate to cover his costs, he began preying on shipping which he was not authorized to take. He was hanged as a pirate.
Other famous privateers: Alexander Godfrey, Francis Drake
The United States Constitution still has an active clause about "letters of marque and reprisal," thus may still legally authorize privateers.
The Confederate Constitution included the "Letters of Marque" clause, and the Confederates used privateers during the American Civil War.
Distinction from pirate
Famous privateers
American history
External links