‖ solak rare.
Also 6 sola (?), 7 solach, solaque.
[a. Turkish ṣōlāq. So F. solak.]
(See quots.)
The identity of the word in the first quot. is doubtful.
| 1520 Caxton's Chron. Eng. vii. 141 b/1 In y⊇ iiij yeare of kynge Henryes reygne came y⊇ Emperour of Constantynople with many greate solaes [Brut and Caxton lordes] & knyghtes. [1615 G. Sandys Trav. I. 75 The Pretorian footmen called the Solacchi, whereof there be in number three hundred.] 1678 Phillips, Solachs, those of the Grand Seigniors Foot-guard, who are about three hundred, attending upon him with Bows and Arrows. 1687 A. Lovell tr. Thevenot's Trav. i. 69 The Solaques are also of the Infantry, and are the Grand Signior's..Life-guard, for they attend the Grand Signior when he goes abroad in the city. 1802 James Milit. Dict., Solaks, bowmen or archers belonging to the personal guard of the grand signor. |