zek

[ zek ]

noun

1. (in the former U.S.S.R.) an inmate of a forced-labor camp.

Word History and Origins

Origin of zek¹

First recorded in 1965–70; from Russian zek “prisoner,” representing a vocalization of ze + ka (the letter names of z, k ), probably an abbreviation of zaklyuchënnyi “prisoner”

Example Sentences

Zechstein, zek′stīn, n. a deposit of calcareous rock which covers the Kupfer-schiefer.

From Project Gutenberg

How does Hankins know that 'Zek'el's livin' creeters means one thing more'n another?

From Project Gutenberg

No, my beloved and respected feller-citizen of native birth, it's as plain to me as the wheels of 'Zek'el and the year 1843.

From Project Gutenberg