Rynda

thumbnail|right|Depiction of two ryndy in the 16th and 17th centuries A rynda (, ) was a bodyguard or squire of the Russian grand princes and tsars in the 16th and 17th centuries; the position was abolished by Peter I in 1698.

==History and appearance== thumbnail|right|False Dmitry I holding court, surrounded by ryndy The term rynda first appears in around 1380 and are mentioned to have been present at the Battle of Kulikovo, though did not exist as a unit it seems until the 16th century. Ryndy were selected from young men of noble origin. Ryndy acted as bodyguards to the Russian court and accompanied the tsar on journeys and diplomatic missions, and would carry his weapons and armour and accompany him into battle. They were not court officials and were not paid for their service, being accommodated in the royal household. The position was abolished by reforms of Peter the Great in 1698.