janissary

noun3

1. •
   (historical) An infantry soldier, often of European Christian background from the Balkans as well as Eastern Europe and forcibly converted to Islam, in a former elite Turkish (Ottoman) guard (disbanded in 1826).

   • My Lord the great Commander of the worlde, Besides fifteene contributory kings, Hath now in armes ten thousand Ianisaries, Mounted on lusty Mauritanian Steeds, […] — 1587
2. •
   (historical) Any Turkish soldier, particularly one escorting a traveller.
3. •
   (figurative) An elite, highly loyal supporter.