Date: Thu Apr 13 00:05:14 EDT 2000
Subject: A.Word.A.Day--janissary
janissary (JAN-i-ser-ee) also janizary (-ZER-ee) noun
1. A member of a group of elite, highly loyal supporters.

2. A soldier in an elite Turkish guard organized in the 14th century and abolished in 1826.

[French janissaire, from Old French jehanicere, from Old Italian giannizero, from Ottoman Turkish yani cheri, new army : yani, new + cheri, special troops (from Middle Persian cherih, bravery, victory, from cher, brave,
victorious, from Avestan chairya-, vigorous, brave).]