Answer: privateer

AnswerCrossword Clue
PRIVATEERSea marauder
PRIVATEERArmed ship
PRIVATEERVessel sailing under letters of marque.
PRIVATEERNon-government vessel permitted to war on enemy, before 1856.
PRIVATEERType of armed ship.
PRIVATEERType of armed vessel.
PRIVATEEREarly war vessel
PRIVATEERFormer harasser of enemy shipping
PRIVATEERSea raider
PRIVATEERNongovernmentally owned ship decked out for war
privateera licensed pirate / to operate as a pirate
privateerA commander or crew member of such a ship, often regarded as a pirate
privateerAn armed ship owned and officered by private individuals holding a government commission and authorized for use in war, esp. in the capture of enemy merchant shipping