janissary

(jan′i ser′ē)

a soldier (orig. a slave) in the Turkish sultan's guard, established in the 14th cent. and abolished in 1826
any Turkish soldier
any very loyal or submissive follower or supporter

Origin: Fr janissaire < It giannizzero < Turk yenicheri, lit., new troops < yeñi, new + cheri, soldiery

See janissary in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. jan·is·sar·ies also jan·i·zar·ies

A member of a group of elite, highly loyal supporters.
A soldier in an elite Turkish guard organized in the 14th century and abolished in 1826.

Origin:

Origin: French janissaire

Origin: , from Old French jehanicere

Origin: , from Old Italian giannizero

Origin: , from Ottoman Turkish yanī cheri, new army

Origin: : yanī, new

Origin: + cheri, special troops (from Middle Persian chērīh, bravery, victory, from chēr, brave, victorious)

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