janissary

[ jan-uh-ser-ee ]

noun

, plural jan·is·sar·ies.

1. (often initial capital letter) a member of an elite military unit of the Turkish army organized in the 14th century and abolished in 1826 after it revolted against the Sultan.
2. (often initial capital letter) any soldier in the Turkish army.
3. a member of any group of loyal guards, soldiers, or supporters.

janissary

/ ˈdʒænɪsərɪ; ˈdʒænɪzərɪ /

noun

1. an infantryman in the Turkish army, originally a member of the sovereign's personal guard, from the 14th to the early 19th century

Word History and Origins

Origin of janissary¹

1520–30; < French janissaire < Italian gian ( n ) izzero < Turkish yeniçeri, equivalent to yeni new + çeri soldiery, militia

Word History and Origins

Origin of janissary¹

C16: from French janissaire, from Italian giannizzero, from Turkish yeniçeri, from yeni new + çeri soldiery

Example Sentences

Before any purchases were made, however, the janissary moved on, and Foster had to follow.

From Project Gutenberg

About two hours later the door was again opened, and a man in the uniform of a janissary entered.

From Project Gutenberg

Coming down the hill into the plain, we were there met by a janissary from the convent, sent to conduct us into the city.

From Project Gutenberg

He was attended by a janissary attached to the English Embassy and by a cicerone: he appeared to be about twenty-two.

From Project Gutenberg

Formerly, when a janissary was condemned to die, he was confined in this castle.

From Project Gutenberg