Actually, Boyarin is one after Knyaz' (Prince) on a hiarchy pyramid. Boyars were
Druzhinniks (Prince's friends)aka Prince's personal war band and were an elite group of warriors, each prince had personal Druzhina, depending on his wealth anywhere from few hundred to a several thousand. Later on as feudal Russia was unified by Great Duchy of Moscow, Druzhinniks turned into Boyars, rank equailent to Western Europe's Count, Romanovs were once Boyars, and were elected by other Boyar families to be Czars of all Rus.

PS
Knighthood was never practiced in old Russia
Vityaz', Ratnik, Voin, Voi- one of the names for the warrior
Bogatyr'- warrior of immence strength

here's a link with pictures to various Russian armors and uniforms http://www.warclub.enjoy.ru/gallery/soldiers.html

uniforms


[This message has been edited by Boyarin (edited 07-18-2002).]