I. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
Etymology: boot (III) + leg
1.
a. : the upper part of a boot
b. : an object shaped or used like a bootleg ; specifically : a protective cover for railroad track wires where the wires leave the conduit or ground
2. : a large locking lever in a spinning mule
3. : something bootlegged ; specifically : moonshine
II. verb
( bootlegged ; bootlegged ; bootlegging ; bootlegs )
transitive verb
1.
a. : to carry (alcoholic liquor) on one's person illegally
b. : to manufacture, sell, or transport for sale (alcoholic liquor) contrary to law
bootlegged corn whiskey during Prohibition
2.
a. : to produce or obtain for sale or distribution or to sell or distribute illicitly without such inspection, permission, or approval as may be required by law or by existing private agreements
register the number … so that any watch can be traced should it be bootlegged through unscrupulous outlets — Jewelers' Circular-Keystone
b. : smuggle
intransitive verb
1. : to engage in bootlegging
2. : to separate and slip — used of the plies of a machine belt
III. adjective
1. : sold or distributed illicitly or surreptitiously : produced, procured, or transported for illicit sale or distribution
bootleg coal taken from abandoned mines and trucked to the city for sale
the hills were full of bootleg whiskey
2. : clandestine or surreptitious especially in order to avoid laws or regulations
a bootleg radio station
bootleg wage increases that violated contracts
3. : characterized by the presence of, participation in, or dealing with bootlegging
a bootleg town