3 ms·
The use of "piracy" to describe unauthorised publication of a copyrighted work dates back to the 18th century, it's not something the MPAA came up with.
by mjg59 3y ago
The use of "piracy" to describe unauthorised publication of a copyrighted work dates back to the 18th century, it's not something the MPAA came up with.
- lolinder 3y agoYou're right! Etymonline traces it back to 1706 (without a source) [0], and I found it in the original Webster's [1]: > A bookseller that seizes the copies or writings of other men without permission. > PI'RATE, verb transitive To take by theft or without right or permission, as books or writings. EDIT: I just got out my OED, and sure enough: > 1668 J. Hancock Brooks String of Pearls (Notice at end), Some dishonest Booksellers, called Land-Pirats, who make it their practice to steal Impressions of other mens Copies... [0] https://www.etymonline.com/word/pirate#etymonline_v_16375 https://www.etymonline.com/word/pirate#etymonline_v_16375 [1] https://webstersdictionary1828.com/Dictionary/Pirate https://webstersdictionary1828.com/Dictionary/Pirate