Ostyak

or Os·ti·ak

[ os-tee-ak ]

noun

, plural Os·ty·aks, (especially collectively) Os·ty·ak.

1. Khanty.

Ostyak

/ ˈɒstɪˌæk /

noun

1. -aks-ak a member of an Ugrian people living in NW Siberia E of the Urals
2. the language of this people, belonging to the Finno-Ugric family: related to Hungarian

Word History and Origins

Origin of Ostyak¹

1715–25; < Russian ostyák originally a Khanty, later used for the Samoyedic Selkup, the Ket, and certain Mansi groups < Khanty ās-jax, plural of as-xo one living on the Ob, equivalent to Ās the river Ob + xo man

Example Sentences

The Indian beats his fate-stone, just as the Ostyak beats his fetish if it does not behave well and bring him sport.

From Project Gutenberg

Compare the man’s beating his fate-stone with the treatment the Ostyak gives his puppet.

From Project Gutenberg

The main population in the forest belt consists of native nomad or hunting tribes, of which Samoyeds, Ostyaks, Tunguses, and Yakuts are the most numerous.

From Project Gutenberg

But though the Ostyaks are poor, they possess a great treasure in their dogs, for these creatures are as useful as horses, and much more sensible.

From Project Gutenberg

Among the Samoyedes and Ostyaks a wife was not allowed in any corner of the tent except her own; after pitching the tent she was obliged to fumigate it before the men would enter.

From Project Gutenberg