The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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]