bootlegger n.

also boot-legger, "one who makes, distributes, or sells goods illegally," 1885, American English, originally in reference to those who sold illicit liquor in states with strict prohibition laws (Iowa, Kansas), from bootleg (q.v.). The word enjoyed great popularity in the U.S. during Prohibition (1920-1933), and the abstracted element -legger was briefly active in word-formation, e.g. meatlegger during World War II rationing, booklegger for those who imported banned titles such as "Ulysses."