volsteadism means the policy, doctrine, or enforcement of prohibiting the production, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages, especially during the Prohibition era (1920–1933) in the United States. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 87 out of 100.
Why “volsteadism” is a great word
VOLSTEADISM — [Noun] The specific legal doctrine and enforcement regime prohibiting the manufacture, sale, and transport of alcoholic beverages, as institutionalized by the United States' Volstead Act (1920–1933). From the surname Volstead (referring to Andrew Volstead, sponsor of the Volstead Act of 1919) + the suffix -ism (denoting a distinctive practice or doctrine). First attested in 1920. Unlike "prohibition" (a general term for any legal ban) or "temperance" (a moral movement advocating personal abstinence), Volsteadism denotes the particular, grinding machinery of state enforcement. It is the chemical reek of government-poisoned industrial alcohol, the splinter of an axe-head striking an oak cask in a warehouse raid, and the warm, illicit communion of a flask passed in a shadowed alley—the state's dry doctrine meeting a nation's thirst, and creating a world of shadows in the breach.
Etymology
From Volstead + -ism. Referring to the Volstead Act of 1919, which established prohibition in the United States and was named after Andrew Volstead (1860–1947), chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, who managed the legislation.
noun
- The policy, doctrine, or enforcement of prohibiting the production, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages, especially during the Prohibition era (1920–1933) in the United States.