The word 'janissary' is originally from Turkish 'yeniçeri'

'Janissary' is a word borrowed from Turkish 'yeniçeri'. The word entered the English language some time around 1529.

janissary [noun] [1529]

• a soldier of an elite corps of Turkish troops organized in the 14th century and abolished in 1826
• a member of a group of loyal or subservient troops, officials, or supporters

Meaning: a soldier of an elite corps of Turkish troops organized in the 14th century and abolished in 1826; a member of a group of loyal or subservient troops; officials; or supporters.

Etymology: Italian gianizzero; from Turkish yeniceri; from yeni new + ceri soldier.

Topics: Military:Warfare.

Origin: From Turkish to English.

See 'janissary' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Turkish.

See more loan words from 1500s.