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bootleg

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary

English

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Etymology

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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.

Pronunciation

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Verb

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bootleg (third-person singular simple present bootlegs, present participle bootlegging, simple past and past participle bootlegged)

  1. (transitive, intransitive) To engage in bootlegging.
    1. (chiefly US, transitive, intransitive) To make, transport and/or sell illegal alcoholic liquor.
      In the 1930s, Grandpa used to bootleg to make ends meet.
      In the 1930s, Grandpa used to bootleg whiskey from a still hidden in the backwoods.
    2. (transitive, intransitive) To make, transport and/or sell an illegal version or copy of a copyrighted product.
      In the 1990s, Grandpa used to bootleg under some sort of Robin-Hood-esque notion.
      In the 1990s, Grandpa used to bootleg Windows CD-ROMs.
    3. (chiefly US, transitive, intransitive) To operate a mine illicitly.
      In the 1930s, Grandpa used to bootleg to make ends meet.
      In the 1930s, Grandpa used to bootleg coal from a shaft hidden in the backwoods.

Derived terms

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Translations

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Noun

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bootleg (plural bootlegs)

  1. The part of a boot that is above the instep.
  2. An illegally produced, transported or sold product; contraband.
  3. (music) An unauthorized recording, e.g., of a live concert.
  4. (music) A remix or mashup that is a combination of two songs but that is not authorized and audited for copyright use; primarily in the electronic music scene.
  5. (American football) A play in which the quarterback fakes a handoff, conceals the ball against his hip, and rolls out.

Translations

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Adjective

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bootleg (not comparable)

  1. Illegally produced, transported or sold; pirated.

Derived terms

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Translations

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See also

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