Letter Of Marque (Noun)
Meaning
A license to a private citizen to seize property of another nation.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The British government issued a letter of marque to the pirate captain, allowing him to attack and plunder French ships during the war.
- During the American Revolution, the Continental Congress granted letters of marque to privateers, who preyed on British merchant vessels.
- The letter of marque was a lucrative business for the privateer captain, who was able to sell the seized cargo for a handsome profit.
- In the 18th century, letters of marque were commonly used by European powers to disrupt the trade of their enemies.
- The privateer's letter of marque was revoked after he was accused of attacking neutral ships, violating the terms of his license.