boot·strap
ˈbüt-ˌstrap
1
: a looped strap sewed at the side or the rear top of a boot to help in pulling it on
2
bootstraps plural
: unaided efforts
—often used in the phrase by one's own bootstraps
1
: designed to function independently of outside direction : capable of using one internal function or process to control another
a bootstrap operation to load a computer
2
: carried out with minimum resources or advantages
bootstrap efforts
bootstrapped; bootstrapping
: to promote or develop by initiative and effort with little or no assistance
bootstrapped herself to the top
… turns out to be pretty talented at identifying and bootstrapping promising creative endeavors.—Harry McCracken
bootstrapper
noun
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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