Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun In Russia, home-distilled illegal spirit, similar to vodka; moonshine.

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

From Russian самогон, from само- ("self") + stem of гнать ("distill").

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Examples

  • But the policy was an utter failure, and the illicit production of moonshine - "samogon" - rocketed, not to mention a sudden rise in sales of medicinal and industrial spirit.

    RIA Novosti 2009

  • The Kremlin has for decades tried to get a grip on the problem but Russians 'love of vodka and illegally made liquor -- known as samogon -- has always overcome government measures to combat alcoholism.

    Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty 2008

  • Casor spat a small amount of samogon unto my cut palm.

    Excerpt from Pompeii ii 2010

  • Casor at his samogon again getting in a brutal mood, hitting me again the debt doubled, teeth are not in order Father no, father, no.

    Excerpt from Pompeii ii 2010

  • Whenever he discovered that Arkady had arrived, he would show up at the door as busy as a badger in a long scarf carrying a tray of pickles and bread and a jar of samogon.

    Three Stations : An Arkady Renko Novel Martin Cruz Smith 2010

  • With the other hand he took a small sip of his samogon.

    Excerpt from Pompeii ii 2010

  • The samogon had made him blind in one eye, they think.

    Excerpt from Pompeii ii 2010

  • Eyes shining, Boris would pour samogon until it quivered with surface tension above the brim of the glass.

    Three Stations : An Arkady Renko Novel Martin Cruz Smith 2010

  • The samogon had its effect: Eva looked more dangerous, Vanko more dignified, Roman's ears went red and Maria glistened.

    Wolves Eat Dogs Smith, Martin Cruz, 1942- 2004

  • Also, Arkady had worked his way out of his samogon stupor.

    Wolves Eat Dogs Smith, Martin Cruz, 1942- 2004

Comments

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  • In Winter to muster a sham of dawn

    Bleak Russkies break out the samogon.

    As moonshine makes night

    Grow warmer and bright

    They conjure the sun in a dramathon.

    March 16, 2016