Dictionary entries for 'commission'

Synonyms

com·mis·sion (kə-mĭsh́ən)

[Middle English commissioun, from Latin commissiō, commissiōn-, from commissus past participle of committere, to entrust; see commit.]

noun

1. The act of granting certain powers or the authority to carry out a particular task or duty.
2. The authority so granted.
3. The matter or task so authorized: Investigation of fraud was their commission.
4. A document conferring such authorization.
1. A group of people officially authorized to perform certain duties or functions: The Federal Trade Commission investigates false advertising.
2. often Commission. A ruling council within the Mafia that adjudicates family disputes and regulates family activities.
The act of committing or perpetrating: the commission of a crime.
A fee or percentage allowed to a sales representative or an agent for services rendered.
1. An official document issued by a government, conferring on the recipient the rank of a commissioned officer in the armed forces.
2. The rank and powers so conferred.

in commission: In active service. Used of a ship. In use or in usable condition.
on commission: With a sales commission serving as full or partial recompense for the work done: sells boats on commission.
out of commission: Not in active service. Used of a ship. Not in use or working condition.