{ Whisky , or Whiskey, Ring }. (U. S. Hist.)
A conspiracy of distillers and government officials during the administration of President Grant to defraud the government of the excise
taxes. The frauds were detected
in 1875 through the efforts of the Secretary of the Treasury. B. H. Bristow, and most of the
offenders were convicted.
{ Whis"ky , Whis"key } (?),
n. [Ir. or Gael. uisge water (perhaps akin to E. wash, water) in uisgebeatha whiskey, properly, water of life. Cf. Usquebaugh.]
An intoxicating liquor
distilled from grain,
potatoes, etc., especially in Scotland, Ireland, and the United States. In the United
States, whisky is generally distilled from maize, rye, or
wheat, but in Scotland and Ireland it is often made from malted barley.
Bourbon whisky, corn whisky made in Bourbon County, Kentucky. -- Crooked whisky. See under Crooked. -- Whisky Jack (Zoöl.), the Canada jay (Perisoreus
Canadensis). It is noted for its
fearless and familiar habits when it frequents the camps of lumbermen in the winter season. Its color is dull
grayish blue, lighter beneath. Called also moose bird.
Hear it pronounced