Cor″sair (k?r″s?r), n. [F. corsaire (cf. It. corsare, corsale, Pr. corsari), LL. corsarius, fr. L. cursus a running, course, whence Sp. corso cruise, corsa cruise, coasting voyage, corsear to cruise against the enemy, to pirate, corsario cruising, a privateer authorized to cruise against the enemy. See Course.] 1. A pirate; one who cruises about without authorization from any government, to seize booty on sea or land.
2. A piratical vessel.
Barbary corsairs... infested the coast of the Mediterranean.
Prescott.