janissary

 
Pronunciation: /ˈdʒanɪs(ə)ri/
(also janizary /-z(ə)ri/)

noun (plural janissaries)

historical
  • a member of the Turkish infantry forming the Sultan’s guard between the 14th and 19th centuries.
  • a devoted follower or supporter.

Origin:

early 16th century: from French janissaire, based on Turkish yeniçeri, from yeni 'new' + çeri 'troops'