privateer

Meanings

1. A privately owned warship that acted under a letter of marque to attack enemy merchant ships and take possession of their cargo.
2. An officer or any other member of the crew of such a ship; a government-sanctioned pirate.
3. An advocate or beneficiary of privatization of a government service or activity.
4. A private individual entrant into a race or competition who does not have the backing of a large, professional team.
5. A racing team that is not a subsidiary of a large conglomerate, or automotive or vehicle manufacturer.

1. To function under official sanction permitting attacks on enemy shipping and seizing ship and cargo; to engage in government-sponsored piracy.
2. To advocate or benefit from privatization of government services.

Etymology

From private + -eer probably after volunteer, shortened from the original term "Private Man-of-war".