Privateer

A privateer attacked another country’s ships with royal backing. Unlike an independent pirate, a privateer had the support of a ruler, although that support was not always openly acknowledged. Elizabeth sometimes backed raiding informally, allowing her to benefit while denying responsibility to Spain.

Spain’s possessions in the Americas also made its shipping an attractive target for English privateers.

Privateers were private sailors who attacked enemy shipping with government backing and seized ships or goods as prizes. A letter of marque gave official written permission, although Elizabeth sometimes offered informal support instead. This allowed her to share in profits while publicly denying responsibility for attacks on Spain.

A privateer operated with government authorisation: an attack celebrated in England could be regarded by the Spanish as piracy.