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 ye iiij yeare or kynge Henryes reygne came ye 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, trans. Thevenot’s Trav., I. 69. The Solaques are also of the Infantry, and are the Grand Signior’s Garde du corps, 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.
