"pirate" as a verb

[binni]

Is this term "pirate a ship" correct American or British English?

I thought one could "pirate" valuable and reasonablely-sized goods but since a "ship" is not a good....

Thank you

[Tdol]

I wouldn't use 'pirate a ship'. You can pirate software, DVDs, etc, but not ships, IMO.

[Dandelion]

I believe "pirate" is being used in a different sense here.
It means to attack and rob a ship or to take a ship by piracy.

[Casiopea]

Hmm. Given the second post, I'd say, "Why not?"

They pirated the ship. (stole it, and are now sailing it under their command)

But it's ambiguous. Tdol's account makes more sense, or at least reflects common, or known modern day usage.

[Dandelion]

I agree with you, but it's hard to say without any context. It might be from a video game.

[Tdol]

I didn't mean copy a ship, but I wouldn't use it for the acts of Blackbeard.

[HaraKiriBlade]

tdol, were you referring to pirates (sea crooks in this case) by saying "Blackbeards"? and 'act of Blackbeards' = piracy? (I meant the sea robbery, not the act of copying and distributing copyrighted goods)

[Tdol]

Yes, I was- Blackbeard was a famous sea pirate. I don't think he ever sold a dodgy DVD.