What does the name Pirate imply?
The name pirate was used to refer to more than just the buccaneers of the high seas and the real pirates of the Caribbean. Strictly, the name pirate was used to refer to those independent pirates who used their pirate ships to attack merchant vessels and steal their goods, which they would then bring into port to sell. These very real pirates were little more than criminals, highwaymen of the seas, and truly deserved the name pirate. Privateers, on the other hand, still engaged in piracy – but did so “legally,” under the flag of a specific nation, and only against that nation’s enemies. One such pirate was Robert Morris, an American privateer from the early years of the country. Many privateers were wealthy – Morris’ pirating profits made him the first millionaire in American history. Famous Pirate Ships An important part of pirate lore is, of course, the pirate ship, with its Jolly Roger and cannons ready to take down any innocent passerby. Among the most famous of all pirate ships wa
