Kurin

Kurin (Ukrainian: курінь) has two definitions: a military and administrative unit of the Zaporozhian Cossacks,^[1] Black Sea Cossack Host, and others; and of a type of housing (see below).

In the administrative definition, a kurin usually consisted of a few hundred Cossacks, with their own land, treasury and flag, and around a hundred houses.^[2][3] The number of kurins was not permanent, and varied throughout time: during the 16th century, there were 8 kurins in the Zaporozhian Sich and 38 during the first half of the 18th century.^[4][5] All Cossacks had to be part of a kurin and were listed on the so-called "kurin komput" (a register of Cossacks in the kurin), and were subject to the kurin otaman.

In the other definition, a kurin is a type of housing, sometimes temporary, which can vary in size and purpose: from a small tent made of leaves, to a large wooden house for permanent occupation.^[6]