1. A member of an elite military unit of the Ottoman Empire, originally consisting of infantry soldiers loyal to the sultan.
Usage: historical; often capitalized
2. A loyal or devoted follower or supporter, especially one who serves without question.
Usage: figurative; often used critically

Examples

• The janissaries formed the backbone of the Ottoman military for centuries.
• Historical accounts describe janissaries as highly trained and disciplined soldiers.
• The sultan relied on his janissaries to maintain control over the empire.
• He was criticized for being a mere janissary, blindly following orders without independent thought.
• The janissaries eventually became a powerful political force in Ottoman society.