merchant venturer
/ˈmɜrtʃənt ˈvɛntʃərər/
noun
- A merchant who undertakes risky trading expeditions, especially in the medieval or early modern period, often exploring new routes or territories.
- The merchant-venturer set sail for the East Indies hoping to find valuable spices.
- Many merchant-venturers financed their own ships and crews for dangerous voyages.
- The story of the merchant-venturer inspired young traders to seek fortune abroad.