Meaning of letter of marque | Babel Free

Definitions

1. 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.
   historical
2. A ship that has been armed for such a task.
   historical

Equivalents

Examples

“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.”

CEFR level