Crossword Genius

Pirate wields cudgel to obstruct rising? On the contrary (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bootleg

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'pirate' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with ownership as well as being verbs in their base form.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'wields cudgel to obstruct rising? on the contrary' is the wordplay.
'BOOTLEG' is hidden backwards in amongst the letters.
But, I'm unsure how the hidden word is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bootleg that I've seen before include "Illegally made (recording)" , "Smuggled" , "Illegal (liquor/recording)" , "Distributed illegally" , "Illegal alcohol during prohibition" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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