noun
or jan·i·zary ˈjanəˌserē, -ˌze-, -ri
( -es )
Etymology: Italian gianizzero, from Turkish yeniçeri, from yeni new, inexperienced + çeri soldier, military force
1. often capitalized
a. : a soldier of an elite corps of Turkish troops originally organized in the 14th century as the sultan's guard, drawn chiefly from subject Christian boys seized in tribute, and continuing as the largest and strongest unit of the army until abolished after revolting in 1826
b. : a Turkish soldier
2. : a member of a group of loyal or subservient troops, officials, or supporters
a politician with the help of a large following of janissaries ready to carry out his personal will
3. : a West Indian wrasse ( Clepticus parrae ) that is mostly reddish brown with the caudal region green