commission

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com·mis·sion / kəˈmishən/ (abbr.: comm.) • n. 1. the authority to perform a task or certain duties. ∎  an instruction, command, or duty given to a person or group of people: his commission to redesign the building. ∎  an order for something, esp. a work of art, to be produced: Mozart at last received a commission to write an opera. ∎  a work produced in response to such an order.2. a group of people officially charged with a particular function: the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.3. an amount of money, typically a set percentage of the value involved, paid to an agent in a commercial transaction: foreign banks may charge a commission.4. a warrant conferring the rank of officer in an army, navy, or air force: he has resigned his commission.5. the action of committing a crime or offense.• v. [tr.] 1. give an order for or authorize the production of (something such as a building, piece of equipment, or work of art). ∎  order or authorize (a person or organization) to do or produce something: they commissioned an architect to manage the building project. ∎  give (an artist) an order for a piece of work.2. bring (something newly produced, such as a factory or machine) into working condition. ∎  bring (a warship) into readiness for active service.3. (usu. be commissioned) appoint (someone) to the rank of officer in the armed services: [as adj.] (commissioned) a commissioned officer. PHRASES: in commission (of a ship, vehicle, machine, etc.) in use or in service.out of commission not in service; not in working order. ∎  (of a person) unable to work or function normally, esp. through illness or injury.DERIVATIVES: com·mis·sion·a·ble adj.

commission

views updated May 14 2018

commission authoritative charge; warrant of authority XIV; body charged with special authority XV. — (O)F. — L. commissiō, -ōn-, f. commiss-, pp. stem of committere COMMIT; see -ION.
So commissioner XV. — medL. commissionārius; cf. -ER 2. commissionaire XVIII. — F. — medL. (as above).

Commission

views updated May 14 2018

Commission

in the United Kingdom, a committee or advisory body created by Royal Warrant to conduct a special enquiry; in the United States, a committee, advisory board, or governmental department.

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