1. a member of an elite military unit of the Ottoman Empire, typically a foot soldier or bodyguard of the sultan
Usage: historical; also spelled janissary

Examples

• The janizaries were known for their fierce loyalty to the Ottoman sultan.
• Janizaries formed the backbone of the Ottoman military for centuries.
• The sultan's personal guard consisted of elite janizaries.
• Janizaries were recruited and trained from a young age.
• The rebellion of the janizaries threatened the stability of the empire.