duma

noun
  1. A legislative body in the ruling assembly of Russia and some other republics of the former Soviet Union. noun
    The State Duma is the lower house of the Federal Assembly of Russia.
    The Duma passed several new laws during its last session.
  2. Historically, a council or official assembly in Russia, particularly during the Tsarist era. noun
    The city duma was responsible for local governance in the 19th century.
    During the reign of Nicholas II, the Duma was established as a legislative body to appease public unrest.