bootlegger

/ˈbuːtˌlɛɡər/(american) · /ˈbuːtˌlɛɡə/(british)

boot-leg-ger · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    [historical]A person who illegally manufactured, transported, or sold alcoholic beverages during Prohibition (1920-1933 in the United States).

  2. 2.

    A person who makes, distributes, or sells goods illegally, especially alcohol or recordings.

  3. 3.

    [modern]Someone who illegally copies and distributes copyrighted material such as music, films, or software.

Forms

plural: bootleggers

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    bootlegger turn — A driving maneuver used to quickly reverse direction, named after the evasive tactics used by Prohibition-era bootleggers to escape police.

Related words

Antonyms: authorized_seller, legitimate_dealer
See also: moonshiner, prohibition, racketeer, smuggler, speakeasy
Synonyms: moonshiner, racketeer, smuggler

Etymology

From American English bootleg, originally referring to the practice of concealing flasks of illegal liquor in the leg of a boot during Prohibition. The term emerged in the late 19th century and became widespread during the 1920s. The suffix -er denotes "one who bootlegs."