The New International Encyclopædia/Streltsi

STREL′TSI, STRELTZI, or STREL′ITZ. The Russian Imperial guard, organized by Ivan IV. in the second half of the sixteenth century. At that time, and for long afterwards, they were the only standing force in Russia, and at times amounted to between 40,000 and 50,000 men. They were stationed at Moscow in time of peace, in a quarter of the capital which was set apart for them, and enjoyed special privileges. Incessant conspiracies rendered them in time dangerous. In 1698 a revolt of the Streltsi led to a bloody contest in which they were defeated with great loss. Peter the Great finally suppressed them (1705).