white lightning

noun

, Chiefly Midland and Southern U.S.

1. moonshine ( def 1 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of white lightning¹

An Americanism dating back to 1910–15

Example Sentences

The Maid bent her head in gracious acknowledgment, swept through and was off to the river like a flash of white lightning.

From Project Gutenberg

The outer aspects of these members were decorated with white zigzag streaks, to indicate the white lightning.

From Project Gutenberg

Looking up through the cracks in the little steeple, they could see flash after flash of continuous white lightning.

From Project Gutenberg

The shop-woman looked up hastily, caught sight of two blazing eyes, and a face like white lightning, and quailed.

From Project Gutenberg

I will shiver their ship into little pieces with a bolt of white lightning as soon as they get out to sea.'

From Project Gutenberg