Meaning
A hierarchically structured secret organisation engaged in illegal activities like distribution of narcotics, gambling and extortion.
Etymology
Origin: Unknown
See Mafia. The sense "entity which attempts to control a specified arena" makes an analogy to crime-syndicate mafias' attempts to control certain kinds of business in the regions in which they exist.
Synonyms & Antonyms
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 7 recorded puzzles: