Crossword Genius

Sponsored pirate (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

privateer

(Other definitions for privateer that I've seen before include "Sailor may go on it" , "Non-government owned warship" , "Armed non-government vessel commissioned for war" , "Armed ship not owned by a government" , "Warship operating under a letter of marque" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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