noun

moonshine

moonlight, illegally distilled spirits

The forest was bathed in moonshine.

The forest was bathed in moonshine.

They were arrested for making moonshine.

They were arrested for making moonshine.

((uncountable noun)) moonlight or illegal alcohol The path was lit by moonshine.

Synonyms: (moonlight) lunar light; (illegal alcohol) bootleg, hooch

From 'moon' + 'shine'. The meaning of illegal alcohol comes from it being made at night, by the 'shine' of the 'moon', to avoid detection.

Think of the literal meaning, the 'shine' from the 'moon'. The second meaning derives from this, as the illegal drink was made secretly at night.

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