letter of countermarque

English

Alternative forms

Noun

letter of countermarque (plural letters of countermarque)

  1. (nautical, historical) An official commission from a government authorizing someone to seize the property or people of another nation in reprisal for a similar seizure by a ship from the other nation.
    • 1903, Sir Ralph Winwood, Edward Montagu Baron Montagu, Report on the Manuscripts of the Duke of Buccleuch and Wueensberry Preserved at Montagu House Whitehall:
      his Majesty likewise foreseeing of what mischievous consequence it would be to all his loving subjects if the States General, upon the execution of the said Letters of Reprisal (contrary to the meaning of the said Treaties, and after the annulling of them by the same), should grant Letters of Countermarque against the said subjects and their goods, to the hindering of commerce and the ruin and damage of many particular men, although unconcerned in the case of such Reprisal :

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