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corsair
IPA:

Dictionary definition of corsair
A type of pirate or privateer who operated in the Mediterranean Sea and along the coasts of Europe during the 16th to 18th centuries.
"With the wind in its sails, the corsair's ship glided swiftly through the Caribbean."
Detailed meaning of corsair
Corsairs were known for their seafaring exploits, engaging in acts of piracy, plundering merchant vessels, and raiding coastal settlements. They were often authorized by their respective governments to conduct acts of piracy against enemy ships and territories. Corsairs primarily targeted ships belonging to rival nations or those deemed as enemies, with the objective of capturing valuable cargo, goods, or prisoners. They played a significant role in naval warfare during the Renaissance and early modern eras, operating in a manner similar to pirates but with some degree of official sanction. Corsairs were skilled sailors and fighters, known for their agility, cunning, and audacity. While corsairs were seen as heroic figures by some, they were also seen as ruthless and lawless by others. The term "corsair" encapsulates the image of a seafaring adventurer, plunderer, and fighter, who sought riches and glory through acts of piracy on the high seas.
Example sentences containing corsair
1. The pirate, known as the Dreaded Corsair, struck fear into the hearts of seafarers.
2. I recently purchased a Corsair gaming keyboard, and it has dramatically improved my gaming experience.
3. Legend has it that the corsair buried his treasure on the small island.
4. The novel tells a thrilling tale of a corsair and his daring exploits at sea.
5. The museum has a display featuring artifacts from the Golden Age of Corsairs.
6. His dream was to become a corsair, sailing the seas in search of adventure and riches.
History and etymology of corsair
The noun 'corsair' has its etymological origins in the Latin word 'cursarius,' which means 'pirate' or 'raider.' This Latin term was used to describe individuals who engaged in maritime raids and piracy along the Mediterranean Sea and European coastlines during the 16th to 18th centuries. The word 'corsair' later made its way into French as 'corsaire' and then into English. The etymology effectively captures the essence of 'corsair' as a type of pirate or privateer operating in these regions, often associated with daring raids and naval warfare. It reflects a historical period when these seafaring individuals sought riches and adventure on the high seas, making 'corsair' a symbol of maritime intrigue and piracy during that era.
Further usage examples of corsair
1. The corsair's flag, adorned with a menacing skull and crossbones, billowed in the wind as his ship approached the shore.
2. Corsair is a brand known for its high-quality computer peripherals.
3. The young boy’s eyes widened as he listened to the stories of the brave corsair defending his ship against the British fleet.
4. The corsair and his crew would celebrate their victories with songs and dances aboard their ship.
5. The students were assigned to write an essay on the role of corsairs in Mediterranean history.
6. The corsair's black ship struck fear into coastal towns during the 17th century.
7. A notorious corsair, Captain Blackbeard, terrorized the Mediterranean.
8. Corsairs, skilled in naval warfare, hunted for treasures on the high seas.
9. The corsair's crew swarmed ashore, seeking hidden riches in ancient ruins.
10. Mediterranean corsairs often flew the Jolly Roger as a symbol of their plunder.
11. Tales of corsair escapades captivated the imaginations of many storytellers.
12. The corsair's cutlass gleamed in the moonlight, ready for battle.
13. Corsairs prowled the coast, preying on merchant vessels and coastal villages.
14. A corsair's life was filled with danger and adventure on the open sea.
15. The corsair's flag bore a skull and crossbones, a symbol of their ruthlessness.
16. Corsairs relied on swift galleons to outrun pursuit by naval fleets.
17. In the 18th century, corsairs operated from North Africa to the English Channel.
18. The corsair's cunning tactics made him a formidable adversary.
19. Corsairs often sought refuge in hidden coves along the Mediterranean coast.
20. The corsair's treasure chest overflowed with gold and jewels.
21. Corsairs were both revered and reviled figures in maritime history.
22. A corsair's life was one of constant danger and high-stakes piracy.
23. Corsairs, masters of disguise, blended into coastal communities.
24. The corsair's reputation spread far and wide, striking fear into all who heard his name.
25. Many corsairs met their end on the gallows, paying the price for their lawless deeds.
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High School 20, SAT 12 (Scholastic Assessment Test), History and Nostalgia
buccaneer,filibuster
brigand,freebooter,marauder,pirate,plunderer,privateer,raider,rover,swashbuckler
Synonyms for corsair
Quiz categories containing corsair
pirate, lawman, officer, peacekeeper
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