concept
Temporary Furlough (Vremennootpusknoy)
furlough
also: vremennootpusknoy
The status of a soldier temporarily released from active duty but still liable for recall -- Semyon's official standing, which explains why he loiters idle in the village rather than being permanently settled there.
Reading notes
- The Lady of the Manor §35 on furlough from the service
Vremennootpusknoy: a soldier temporarily released from active duty but still liable for recall -- Semyon's official status, explaining why he is idle in the village rather than settled there for good.
- The Cossack §10 on furlough
"На льготу" -- the Cossack is travelling home on temporary furlough from active military service, still liable for recall; this is why he is alone and on the road rather than settled, and why his illness there (rather than at home, tended by family) becomes so precarious.