A more thorough explanation:

A privateer is a type of ship that is owned and operated by private individuals, but is authorized by a nation to attack and damage the commerce of the enemy. Privateers are essentially pirates who are given permission to attack enemy ships by their own government.

For example, during the American Revolution, the Continental Congress authorized privateers to attack British ships. These privateers were able to capture many British vessels and disrupt their trade routes, which helped the American cause.

Privateers were also used during the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain. American privateers were able to capture many British ships and disrupt their trade, which helped to weaken the British economy.

Overall, privateers were an important part of naval warfare in the past, as they were able to disrupt enemy trade and weaken their economy without the need for a large navy.