zemstvo

[ zemst-voh; Russian zyem-stvuh ]

noun

, Russian History.

, plural zem·stvos [zemst, -vohz].

1. one of a system of elected local assemblies established in 1864 by Alexander II to replace the authority of the nobles in administering local affairs after the abolition of serfdom: became the core of the liberal movement from 1905 to 1917.

zemstvo

/ ˈzɛmstvəʊ; ˈzjɛmstvə /

noun

1. (in tsarist Russia) an elective provincial or district council established in most provinces of Russia by Alexander II in 1864 as part of his reform policy

Word History and Origins

Origin of zemstvo¹

1860–65; < Russian zémstvo, derivative of zemlyá land, earth; humus

Word History and Origins

Origin of zemstvo¹

C19: from Russian, from zemlya land; related to Latin humus earth, Greek khamai on the ground

Example Sentences

Additionally, each province was divided into districts overseen by the zemstvo, or local council.

From Literature

The zemstvo managed the collection of taxes in their localities and dealt with issues like food supply and road maintenance.

From Literature

Not surprisingly, most members of the zemstvo were landowning nobility or wealthy townsmen.

From Literature

Resolutions of protest were also passed by the Municipal Council and the local Zemstvo.

From Project Gutenberg

Zemstvo, zems′tvō, n. in Russia, a district and provincial assembly to which the administration of the economic affairs of the district and the province was committed in 1866, but whose rights were much curtailed in 1890.

From Project Gutenberg