Janissaries. A militia of Turkish footguards originally composed of the sons of Christian subjects, this being the tribute levied upon the parents for allowing them to live in peace and safety. The native term is Jeniaskari, new soldier.
Janitor. The American description of a caretaker or doorkeeper. This term has long been obsolete in England; it was derived from the Latin janua, door.
Jansenists. A religious sect headed by Cornelius Jansen, Bishop of Ypres, France, early in the seventeenth century.
January. Called by the Romans Januarius, after Janus, the sun god, who presided over the beginnings of things. In the temple of Janus the figure of this god had two faces: one supposed to look on the past, the other on the future.
Japan. A Western corruption, through the Portuguese Gepuen, of the native name Niphon, or “land of the rising sun.” The brilliant black varnish called “Japan” was first made by the people of the Far East.
Jarvey. A cabman or car driver, so called after the name of a hackney coach driver who was hanged.
Jaunting Car. The characteristic light vehicle in Ireland in which the people enjoy a jaunt or excursion. English folk newly arrived in the Emerald Isle do not always appreciate it. See “[Hold hard].”
Java. A Malay word meaning “the land of nutmegs.”
Jayhawker State. Kansas, from the nickname borne by the soldiers of Colonel Jennison of New York, who, being a jovial fellow, was called a “Gay Yorker,” afterwards corrupted into “Jayhawker.” The people of this state in process of time came to be styled “Jayhawkers.”
Jedburgh. A royal burgh situate at the confluence of the Rivers Tefy and Jed. The ancient form of justice meted out here of hanging a man first and trying him afterwards is frequently alluded to as “Jedwood” or “Jeddart” justice.