n.
- a person who attacks and robs ships at sea.
-
[often as modifier]
a person who appropriates or reproduces the work of another for profit without permission:
pirate recordings.
▸a person or organization broadcasting without official authorization:
a pirate radio station.
v.
- dated rob or plunder (a ship).
-
[often as adj. pirated]
use or reproduce (another's work) for profit without permission.
Derivative
- piratic adj.
- piratical adj.
- piratically adv.
Etymology
ME: from L. pirata, from Gk peiratēs, from peirein ‘to attempt, attack’.