Knight

A knight is a person granted an honorary title of knighthood by a Monarch or other political leader for service to the Monarch or country, especially in a military capacity.

Code
Knights were expected, above all, to fight bravely and to display military professionalism and courtesy. When knights were taken as prisoners of war, they were customarily held for ransom in somewhat comfortable surroundings. This same standard of conduct did not apply to non-knights (archers, peasants, foot-soldiers, etc.) who were often slaughtered after capture, and who were viewed during battle as mere impediments to knights' getting to other knights to fight them.

Heraldry
One of the greatest distinguishing marks of the knightly class was the flying of colored banners, to display power and to distinguish knights in battle and in tournaments.Knights are generally armigerous (bearing a coat of arms), and indeed they played an essential role in the development of heraldry. As heavier armor, including enlarged shields and enclosed helmets, developed in the Middle Ages, the need for marks of identification arose, and with colored shields and surcoats, coat armory was born. Armorial rolls were created to record the knights of various regions or those who participated in various tournaments.

Knights of Athens
The Knights of Athens were generally hired by the Great Temple of Athens to protect the people as well as the temple it's self. These knights still exist today and are amongst the oldest families that existed on the planet.

Knights of the Russian Empire
Under the order of the Russian Empire, being a knight is amongst one of the highest levels of society. Thus it has always been an important role for many commoners. Knights in Russia are granted knighthood by the Emperor or Empress at the time. They can also be granted knighthood by a lesser King, Prince, Queen, or Princess. In more modern times Knighthoods have been more ceremonial and granted upon men and women who have proven themselves worthy or protecting the Empire in culture, heroics, or a breakthrough in science.