Mameluke \Mam"e*luke\, n. [F. mamelouk, cf. Sp. mameluco, It.
mammalucco; all fr. Ar. maml[=u]k a purchased slave or
captive; lit., possessed or in one's power, p. p. of malaka
to possesses.]
One of a body of mounted soldiers recruited from slaves
converted to Mohammedanism, who, during several centuries,
had more or less control of the government of Egypt, until
exterminated or dispersed by Mehemet Ali in 1811.
[1913 Webster]