bootleg

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun whiskey illegally distilled from a corn mash
  2. noun the part of a boot above the instep
  3. verb sell illicit products such as drugs or alcohol

Etymology

From boot + leg. Originally a nickname given to smugglers in King George III's reign, derived from the smugglers' custom of hiding packages of valuables in their large sea-boots when dodging the king's coastguardsmen.

In classic literature

Synonyms

moonshine, corn liquor

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