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

/ ˈzjɛmstvə; ˈzɛmstvəʊ /

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

Let him come and see how our Zemstvo doctors work and what they do for the people.

From Project Gutenberg

The assembly appointed an executive committee which is in permanent session, but the zemstvo assembles once a year.

From Project Gutenberg

Above the district zemstvo is the goubernko zemstvo or provincial assembly, whose members are elected from the district zemstvos.

From Project Gutenberg

Lidia was a teacher in the Zemstvo school in her own village, and received a salary of twenty-five roubles a month.

From Project Gutenberg

"Lida could only fall in love with a member of the Zemstvo, as devoted to schools and hospitals as she is," I said.

From Project Gutenberg