Bootlegging refers to the practice of
illegally selling,
transporting or producing
liquor.
In the early 1900s, in the United States heavy taxation was implemented in an attempt to regulate the liquor industry. Between 1920 and 1933 prohibition was instated and the act of bootlegging turned into a well organized crime, involving gangsters such as Al Capone and Legs Diamond. Liquor was shipped to known customers and to Speakeasys, avoiding any taxation or confiscation.
It is said that the term bootleg comes from federal troops that hid liquor in their bootlegs, during the Civil War.
1. "Bootlegging," The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition.
2. "Bootlegging," Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001