Janissary

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈdʒænɪsəɹi/
• US IPA: /ˈdʒænəˌseɹi/

Alternative forms

• janisary, janizary

Origin

From French janissaire, from Italian gianizzero, from Turkish yeniçeri, from yeni ("new") + çeri ("army").

Full definition of janissary

Noun

1. An elite, highly loyal supporter.
2. A soldier in a former elite Turkish guard.

Derived terms

• janissary music