Pirates are always popular. From children's stories like Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson to classic swashbuckling films with Errol Flynn, or the recent Disney Pirates of the Caribbean movies, pirates fascinate and captivate. They also have their own way of talking, and live in a world very different from our own. That's where this dictionary comes in. Here you'll find all the common words and phrases pirates used, and the stories of many famous pirates too.
landlubber
A person who is uncomfortable at sea, unable to live or work well on a ship. The word is a combination of land and lubber, which means a big, clumsy person (see lubber below).
lanyard
A short cord or rope used for securign rigging, or for any other purpose onboard. It was also used as a pull-cord for firing a piece of artillary.
lead shot
The balls used in muskets and other firearms.
lee
Away from the wind; not in the direction of the wind.
leeward
The side or direction away from the wind, as opposed to windward.
Letter of Marque
An official, legal document issued by a government authority for a captain, pirate or otherwise, to attack enemy vessels, plunder them, and retain a predetermined share of the result. Those who sailed under a Letter of Marque were usually known as privateers.
littoral
The waters near the shore extending out to where the depth is no more than 200 feet.
lubber
A big, clumsy person. From the Middle English via Old French “lobeor” meaning swindler or parasite, from “lober” meaning to deceive.
lubber line
A line through the compass, usually mounted near the helm, that ran to the front of the ship.
