Lady.

This is coolbert:

"The biggest pirate fleet the world has ever known controlled Chinese seas 200 years ago. Its crews were fearless and expert at blackmail, torture, and terrorism".— Richard Platt.

The lady is a pirate? Place this one in the strange but true category? Not merely a pirate but a commander of an entire pirate fleet!!

1. "THE LADY PIRATE WHO TERRORIZED HER WAY TO THE GOOD LIFE"

"The history of piracy is full of clichés. Yet the world’s most successful buccaneer might have been Chinese — and a woman. Ching Shih, also known as Cheng I Sao, instilled fear in the hearts of merchants across the China Sea in the early 19th century. During her relatively short run as a pirate lord — about a decade — this ruthless and cunning woman went from being a prostitute to commanding the infamous 'Red Flag Fleet' and sending hundreds of thousands of men into battle."

Forces under the command of Ching numbering perhaps less than hundreds of thousands. Many tens of thousands YES.

Quite surprising, the Red Flag fleet having caused a lot of aggravation, Ching negotiated a surrender and retired to lead a rather prosperous and sedate life.

Nor can we forget another lady pirate. From what is called "the classical period" of piracy in the Caribbean.

2. Anne Bonny.

"Anne Bonny (8 March 1697 – disappeared April 1721), sometimes Anne Bonney, was an Irish pirate operating in the Caribbean, and one of a few female pirates in recorded history."

Anne Bonny the constant companion and paramour of the famous/infamous pirate Calico Jack. 

Anne Bonny totally willing to accompany Calico Jack on a piratical expeditions, participating in combat on an equal basis with the rest of the crew.

Anne Bonny it is noted her demise uncertain as to time and place. Anne merely having disappeared from the scene.

Men do it. Ladies to it too. Piracy an equal opportunity endeavor?

coolbert.