[4] A rank in Russian irregular troops corresponding to that of captain or commander of a company.
[5] The above-mentioned college was placed under the orders of an abbot, and the professors and tutors in it were monks.
[6] Formerly Saturday was a dreaded day in Russian schools. Every pupil received on the evening of that day a severe flogging—the bad pupils as a punishment for their past misdeeds and laziness, the good ones as a foretaste of what awaited them in case of their altering their conduct. Some strange notion existed of accustoming the pupils to endure bodily pain, and of giving a periodical impulse to the circulation of their blood, and this had some connection with the barbarous system.
[7] A cossackin means a Cossack's dress, which is a coat fastened by hooks down the middle of the breast, and fitting closely to the figure. It is furnished with skirts which never descend lower than the knee.
[8] This is a Russian custom still observed. Before a departure every one present sits down for a minute or two in silence; then all rise at once, making the sign of the cross, and invoking the protection of Heaven on the intended travellers.
[9] Voevoda, governor of a city or province.
[10] The pupils intrusted to the care of the consuls (or elder pupils).
[11] A species of guitar.
[12]: A verst is about two-thirds of an English mile.
[13] Dwellings.