poustinik

English

Etymology

From Russian пусты́нник (pustýnnik, “hermit, anchoret, anchorite”), from пусты́ня (pustýnja, “desert, wilderness”).

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ɪnɪk

Noun

poustinik (plural poustiniks or poustiniki)

1. A person dwelling in a poustinia.
   • 1975, Catherine Doherty, Poustinia:

     It is difficult to simply relate this man, and other poustiniki that I came to know through my lifetime, with what is called a "hermit." There was some kind of difference. The poustinik seemed to be more available. There was a gracious hospitality about him, as if he were never disturbed by anyone who came to visit him.