noun
or du·kho·bor ˈdükəˌbȯ(ə)r
( plural doukhobors or dukhobors -rz ; also dukho·bor·tsy ˌdükəˈbȯrtsē)
Usage: usually capitalized
Etymology: Russian dukhoborets, from dukho- (from dukh spirit) + borets wrestler, from borot' to overcome; akin to Lithuanian dvasas spirit breath and to Latin ferire to strike — more at dust , bore
: a member of a Russian sect originating in the 18th century that emphasizes the supreme authority of inner experience, that believes in the embodiment of the Spirit in different persons whom it follows as prophets and leaders, and that rejects all external ecclesiastical and civil authority (as by refusing to do military service or pay taxes)