Buccaneering: meaning, definitions and examples
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buccaneering
[ ˌbʌkəˈnɪərɪŋ ]
pirate activity
Buccaneering refers to the activities associated with pirates who roamed the Caribbean Sea during the late 17th century. It often involved acts of robbery and piracy against Spanish settlements and ships, characterized by a lifestyle of adventure and lawlessness.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The buccaneering lifestyle attracted many adventurers.
- He was fascinated by stories of buccaneering exploits in history.
- The novel vividly illustrates the buccaneering spirit of the era.
Etymology
The term 'buccaneering' originates from the late 17th century and has its roots in the activities of the buccaneers who were largely made up of English and French adventurers. The word itself is derived from 'buccaneer', which initially referred to hunters of wild cattle and pigs in the Caribbean, using a method called 'boucan', which involved smoking meat on a wooden frame. Over time, these hunters evolved into pirates who targeted Spanish ships and settlements. The buccaneers became infamous for their exploits in the Caribbean, often serving as privateers for various European nations. Their legacy is now romanticized in popular culture, often depicted as adventurous freedom-seekers, despite the lawlessness of their activities.