BUCCANEERS Meaning and
Definition
-
Buccaneers, originally derived from the French word "boucanier," refers to a group of pirates or privateers who operated primarily in the Caribbean Sea during the 17th and 18th centuries. These individuals were known for engaging in acts of piracy, often attacking and plundering Spanish colonial ships and coastal towns. Buccaneers were mainly active during the late 17th century when Spain had a stronghold on vast territories in the Caribbean and South America.
Typically composed of seafaring adventurers, ex-privateers, or escaped convicts, buccaneers relied on their speed and cunning to carry out their raids. They were known for their expertise in unconventional naval tactics, such as surprise attacks or using smaller, more maneuverable vessels known as "buccaneer sloops." Buccaneers capitalized on the strategic location of the Caribbean, which facilitated their raids on lucrative Spanish trade routes and ports.
The lifestyle of buccaneers often involved living in temporary camps or hidden bases on remote islands, where they would share their plunder and plan future raids. The legendary figures among buccaneers, such as Henry Morgan and Blackbeard, have contributed to the romanticized image of these seafaring outlaws in popular culture.
Over time, as European powers established stronger naval forces and diplomats resolved conflicts, the era of buccaneering gradually came to an end. However, their exploits left a significant mark on history, symbolizing rebellion against Spanish colonization and contributing to the broader pirate lore that continues to captivate imaginations today.
-
Persons who, in the W.I. and S. Amer., hunted wild animals for their skins, and rudely preserved much of the flesh by drying it after the Indian fashion, called bucaning; pirates or sea-robbers, who in former times principally attacked the Spanish settlements in Amer.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for BUCCANEERS *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for BUCCANEERS
Etymology of BUCCANEERS
The word "buccaneers" traces its origins to the French word "boucanier", which refers to a type of hunter-cook. The French term originated from the Tupi-Guarani language spoken by indigenous people in what is now Brazil. The Tupi-Guarani word for "wooden frame for grilling meat" was "mbukana", which was later adapted by French colonizers to refer to the individuals who engaged in this method of cooking and hunting.
During the 17th century, French and English settlers in the Caribbean adopted this term to describe French and English seafarers who were involved in piracy and raiding Spanish ships and colonies. These seafarers who raided Spanish territories, especially in the Caribbean, were known for their hunting and cooking skills, and the term "buccaneers" gradually became associated with pirates and privateers in the region.
Similar spelling words for BUCCANEERS
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
