subbotnik

noun3

1. •
   (historical) A Saturday designated for community volunteer work, such as cleaning the streets, after the October Revolution in Russia.

   • To clean up areas near the sporting sites, Mayor Anatol Sobchak even revived the communist practice of subbotniki, or ostensible “voluntary” work on Saturdays. — 1994
2. •
   (historical) One who took part in this work.

   • Despite the element of coercion and a week of haranguing in the press, most subbotniki appeared to be taking their duties with good humor. — 1975
3. •
   A member of a Russian sect of Sabbath keepers / Sabbatarians.

   • The Subbotniki (Sabbatarians), for example, adhere to many Jewish observances and accept Jesus only as a prophet. In this, they differ from the predominant Voskresniki (Sunday observers). — 1981