Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun Penal servitude in a Russian or Soviet labour camp.
  • noun A Tsarist or Soviet labour camp.

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

From Russian каторга (kátorga, "penal servitude")

Support

Help support Wordnik (and make this page ad-free) by adopting the word katorga.

Examples

  • Guantanamo is a katorga but our country can still be saved from the fullblown gulag though Cheney like some evil Ded Moroz makes his lists and watches.

    Firedoglake » Late Nite FDL: Ready When You Are 2006

  • Guantanamo is a katorga but our country can still be saved from the fullblown gulag though Cheney like some evil Ded Moroz makes his lists and watches.

    Firedoglake » So, How Can I Help? 2006

  • At seventeen he attempted the life of a Tsarist spy and was sentenced to death, but owing to his extreme youth the sentence was commuted to katorga for life [severe imprisonment, one third of the term in chains].

    My Disillusionment in Russia Goldman, Emma, 1869-1940 1923

  • The revolutionary zeal of her martyred men and women, which neither fortress nor katorga could suppress, was my inspiration in the darkest hours.

    My Disillusionment in Russia Goldman, Emma, 1869-1940 1923

  • The latter was an Anarchist, I was informed, who under the Tsar had been sentenced to katorga.

    My Disillusionment in Russia Goldman, Emma, 1869-1940 1923

  • although lishenets and katorga are new words for me, need to check them out

    Firedoglake » So, How Can I Help? 2006

Comments

Log in or sign up to get involved in the conversation. It's quick and easy.