Reading and understanding the works of Russian classical literature is sometimes complicated by the fact that the text uses words that have come out of everyday use and are unfamiliar to the average reader. One such word is the name of an obsolete droshky vehicle. The meaning of this word must be clarified and remembered, since it often appears in the most famous works of writers of the 19th century - I. S. Turgenev, N. V. Gogol, A. S. Pushkin and others.
The word "drozhki" is actively used not only in classical literature, but also in the works of modern writers and writers of the twentieth century (V. Kataeva, B. Vasiliev, etc.) to designate the corresponding subject or create a special color and artistic effect.
Etymology (origin) of the word
There is no single point of view regarding the origin of the now obsolete word "drozhki". It, according to the etymological dictionary of M. Fasmer, came from the word "drogue" - a beam that connects the front and back of the cart. However, other options are also possible: so far inUkrainian language has the word "drozhka" (it is used in the singular and has the meaning of "wagon"), close in meaning and sound composition to the Russian word "drozhki". There is a version that the word came to the Ukrainian language from the Polish "doruzka" - "wagon", in the same way the word could come to the Russian language.
Dictionary of D. N. Ushakov
According to Ushakov's explanatory dictionary, "drozhki" is a light wagon (one horse handled transportation) on four wheels. The word does not have a singular form, it is always used in the plural (cf. with the word "sleigh"), it is obsolete, that is, it names a household item that has gone out of use.
Dictionary of S. I. Ozhegov
Ozhegov's explanatory dictionary gives a slightly different meaning. Drozhki is a light open spring wagon. The word "spring" in this case indicates that the wheels of the carriage are equipped with springs, or springs, providing a soft ride.
Dictionary of T. F. Efremova
A similar meaning is contained in the explanatory dictionary of Efremova. According to him, a droshky is a light carriage on springs, designed for one or two passengers. The researcher also points out that the word is used only in the plural form.
Synonym Dictionary
For a more precise definition of the meaning of a word, you can refer to the dictionary of synonyms. Close in meaning to "droshki" are the words "caliber", "carriage", "crew".
Based on the values presented in variouslinguistic dictionaries, we conclude that a droshky is a special type of stroller or carriage (along with a wagon, a tarantass) designed to transport one or two people and is distinguished by a smooth ride.
