Etymology

From vrij ‎(“free”) +‎ buit ‎(“booty”) +‎ -er ‎(agent suffix); same construction as English freebooter. In contrast to a kaper who had a license for his activities from a prince but needed to share his booty with him, "vrijbuiters" sold their booty freely, relinquishing any claim of legality.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈvrɛi̯bœy̯tər/