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practice of a ; robbery or illegal violence at sea.
the unauthorized reproduction or use of a copyrighted book, recording, television program, patented invention, trademarked product, etc.:
The record industry is beset with piracy.
Also called stream capture. Geology. diversion of the upper part of one stream by the headward growth of another.
Contemporary Examples

So, in November 2008, when a friend told him he was organizing a piracy mission, Ibrahim asked to join.
The Pirate Negotiator Caitlin Dickson November 13, 2013

Create a product that consumers feel is worth paying for and piracy might not sting as much.
Free Porn Is Threatening the Adult Industry. Here Are Five Ways to Save It. Aurora Snow September 8, 2013

NDS denies it was ever involved in piracy and claims its hacking activities were legitimate and preventive.
Murdoch Hacking Scandal Could Go Global, Threaten News Corp.’s Core TV Business Peter Jukes March 27, 2012

The mass exodus from the piracy trade may have more to do with a broken business model than a sudden change of heart.
Somalia Offers Amnesty to Junior Pirates to End Hijackings Jay Bahadur March 2, 2013

“piracy feeds a lot of people,” Ali says in the film, speaking candidly and unapologetically about his role in the operation.
The Pirate Negotiator Caitlin Dickson November 13, 2013

Historical Examples

Therefore, people do not always see that boodling is treason; that blackmail is piracy, that tax-dodging is larceny.
Teaching the Child Patriotism Kate Upson Clarke

I had thought to have done with piracy; thought to have done with it for ever.
Captain Blood Rafael Sabatini

In truth, the arguments from this case are worth little, even to those who approve the buying an Algerine forbearance of piracy.
The Works of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke, Vol. V. (of 12) Edmund Burke

Here is a great chance for you, since you declare yourself sick of piracy.
Captain Blood Rafael Sabatini

They had learned, in following the trade of piracy, to hide the glimmer of lights.
Arachne, Complete Georg Ebers

noun (pl) -cies
(Brit) robbery on the seas within admiralty jurisdiction
a felony, such as robbery or hijacking, committed aboard a ship or aircraft
the unauthorized use or appropriation of patented or copyrighted material, ideas, etc
n.

early 15c., from Medieval Latin piratia, from Greek peirateia “piracy,” from peirates (see pirate (n.)).

software piracy