Raskolnik

noun Ras·kol·nik \ rəˈskȯlnik \

Definition of Raskolnik

plural Raskolniks \-ks\ or Raskolniki \-nəkē\

: a dissenter from the Russian Orthodox Church and member of one of the several groups (as the Doukhobors, Khlysty) developing from the schism of the 17th century in protest against liturgical reforms — called also Old Believer, Old Ritualist

There's more!

Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
Advanced search features
Ad free!

Origin and Etymology of raskolnik

Russian raskol'nik, from raskol schism (from raz-, prefix denoting separation—from Old Slavic—+ -kol, from kolot' to separate, divide) + -nik, noun suffix denoting a person engaged in or connected with something specified; akin to Lithuanian kalti to beat, forge (lame)