[zemst-vohz] /ˈzɛmst voʊz/ (Show IPA). Russian History
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.
Origin
1860-65; < Russianzémstvo, derivative of zemlyá land, earth; see humus
Examples from the web for zemstvo
If the decision is upheld it it apt to end all question of the sup port of the zemstvo leaders.
British Dictionary definitions for zemstvo
zemstvo
/ˈzɛmstvəʊ; Russian ˈzjɛmstvə/
noun (pl) -stvos
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 Origin
C19: from Russian, from zemlya land; related to Latin humus earth, Greek khamai on the ground