1. The practice or activity of operating as a privateer; the act of engaging in privateering expeditions or raids, typically authorized by a government against enemy vessels during wartime.
Usage: historical; nautical; plural form of privateering

Examples

• During the 17th century, privateerings were common in the Caribbean as European powers competed for control of trade routes.
• The government issued letters of marque to authorize privateerings against Spanish merchant ships.
• Many privateerings were conducted under the guise of legal warfare, though they often resembled piracy.
• The captain's privateerings made him wealthy but also earned him a reputation as a ruthless sea raider.
• Historical records document numerous privateerings that disrupted international commerce during the Napoleonic Wars.
• Privateerings declined as nations established stronger naval forces and international maritime laws.