LETTER OF MARQUE Meaning and
Definition
-
A letter of marque, also known as a letter of mark, is a legal document issued by a government, specifically a sovereign, authorizing an individual or entity, called a privateer or corsair, to engage in private warfare against enemy ships during times of conflict. The letter of marque is essentially a form of official authorization for private individuals to act on behalf of their country and capture or confiscate enemy vessels, cargo, or personnel for the purpose of disrupting the enemy's trade and commerce.
Historically, letters of marque were commonly used during times of war when a country's naval forces were insufficient to adequately protect its commercial vessels. By granting these official documents, governments essentially sanctioned private individuals or organizations to operate as quasi-military units, authorized to seize enemy ships and goods with the aim of weakening the enemy's economy and military capabilities.
Letters of marque often included specific guidelines and limitations, such as restricting the targeted enemy ships to those belonging to a particular nation or permitting privateers to attack only certain types of vessels. The document also typically outlined the conditions under which the privateer could obtain legal ownership of the captured goods or receive compensation for their efforts. Generally, privateers were expected to share a portion of their spoils with the issuing government.
Although letters of marque have largely become obsolete in modern times due to changes in international law and the increased strength of national navies, their historical significance in the context of private warfare and state-sponsored piracy cannot be overlooked.
-
The permission or licence given by Government to a private ship in time of war to seize on the ships of another state.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for LETTER OF MARQUE
- ketter of marque
- petter of marque
- oetter of marque
- lwtter of marque
- lstter of marque
- ldtter of marque
- lrtter of marque
- l4tter of marque
- l3tter of marque
- lerter of marque
- lefter of marque
- legter of marque
- leyter of marque
- le6ter of marque
- le5ter of marque
- letrer of marque
- letfer of marque
- letger of marque
- letyer of marque
Similar spelling word for LETTER OF MARQUE
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
