ˈpīrəsē, -si noun
( -es )
Etymology: Medieval Latin piratia, from Late Greek peirateia, from Greek peiratēs pirate + -ia -y — more at pirate
1. : robbery on the high seas
2.
a. common law : an act of depredation with the intent of stealing committed on the high seas that would if committed on the land amount to a felony : such an act committed on unappropriated lands by a descent from the sea or using the sea as a basis of operations
b. international law
(1) : an act or practice of violence or depredation that would be felonious if done ashore committed upon the high seas by one not acting under the authority of a politically organized community
(2) : a similar act or practice committed upon unappropriated lands by a descent from the sea
3. : an act resembling piracy ; especially : an unauthorized appropriation and reproduction of another's production, invention, or conception especially in infringement of a copyright
4. : capture 3