letter of marque
- A historical legal document issued by a government that granted a private individual the authority to capture and confiscate assets owned by citizens of a foreign nation
- During the era of naval warfare, a letter of marque was often issued to pirate ships, enabling them to legally plunder enemy vessels.
- The government ceased to issue a letter of marque after the establishment of modern maritime laws.
- In historical context, a letter of marque served to legalize what would otherwise be considered piratical seizure of foreign property.
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