boyar

[ boh-yahr, boi-er ]

noun

1. Russian History. a member of the old nobility of Russia, before Peter the Great made rank dependent on state service.
2. a member of a former privileged class in Romania.

boyar

/ ˈbɔɪə; ˈbəʊjɑː /

noun

1. a member of an old order of Russian nobility, ranking immediately below the princes: abolished by Peter the Great

Other Words From

• bo·yarism bo·yardism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of boyar¹

First recorded in 1585–95; earlier boiaren, from Russian boyárin, akin to Old Church Slavonic bolyarinŭ (translating Greek megistán “man of high status”), Bulgarian bolyár(in); further origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of boyar¹

C16: from Old Russian boyarin , from Old Slavonic boljarinǔ , probably from Old Turkic boila a title

Example Sentences

They attach themselves as a rule to some great noble or boyar, and call themselves by his name.

From Project Gutenberg

His wife uttered a cry of alarm, the boyar swore loudly and thumped Kiril on the back.

From Project Gutenberg

Whereat the mother crossed herself and muttered a prayer and the boyar laughed boisterously.

From Project Gutenberg

The Boyar ordered his people to find out the peasant—(that is to say) to look for such and such a physician.

From Project Gutenberg

The pony Boyar, delicately scenting something more than wood-smoke, snorted and swerved.

From Project Gutenberg