noun
- plural of bootlegging; the illegal manufacture, distribution, or sale of goods (especially alcohol) in violation of law or tax regulations
Usage: often historical, referring to Prohibition era in the United States; can also refer to unauthorized copying or distribution of media or software
Examples
- During Prohibition, bootleggings were rampant throughout major American cities.
- The police cracked down on bootleggings of counterfeit goods at the border.
- Historical records document numerous bootleggings operations run by organized crime syndicates.
- Modern bootleggings of software and music continue to challenge copyright enforcement.
- The government increased penalties for bootleggings to deter illegal alcohol production.