Raskolnik

[ ruh-skawl-nik ]

noun

, plural Ras·kol·niks, Ras·kol·ni·ki [r, uh, -, skawl, -ni-kee].

1. a member of any of several sects founded by dissenters from the Russian Orthodox Church who opposed the liturgical reforms of Nikon in the 17th century.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Raskolnik¹

< Russian raskólʾnik schismatic, equivalent to raskól split, schism (noun derivative of raskolótʾ to split; ras- v. prefix marking dissolution, fracture + kolotʾ to chop) + -nik agent suffix

Example Sentences

They hated her when she persecuted the raskolnik or Old Believers, that is, the men who objected to the reforms of Nicon.

From Project Gutenberg

A Raskolnik and a member of the orthodox Church were drinking together, when the latter took a cigar.

From Project Gutenberg

A Raskolnik told this prelate, "We would as lief lose our heads as our beard."

From Project Gutenberg

Raskolnik, Religious Madmen, opponents to Nicon's reforms, 146.

From Project Gutenberg