■ noun
1》 a person who attacks and robs ships at sea.
2》 [often as modifier ] a person who appropriates or reproduces the work of another for profit without permission: ~ recordings.
↘a person or organization broadcasting without official authorization: a ~ radio station.
■ verb
1》 dated rob or plunder (a ship).
2》 [often as adjective ~d ] use or reproduce (another's work) for profit without permission.
Derivatives
piratic adjective
piratical adjective
piratically adverb
Origin
ME: from L. pirata , from Gk peiratēs , from peirein 'to attempt, attack'.