Commission

Commission, kom-ish′un, n. act of committing: that which is committed: a writing conferring certain powers: authority: the percentage paid in a transaction to an active agent who usually incurs some pecuniary and always some moral responsibility: a body of persons appointed to perform certain duties: a warrant from the head of the state for holding various military offices, whether combatant or non-combatant.—v.t. to give a commission to: to empower: to send: to appoint.—ns. Commis′sion-ag′ent, Commis′sion-mer′chant, a person employed to sell goods delivered to him by another (his principal), for a certain percentage—his commission or factorage; Commissionaire′, a messenger, or light porter: one employed about public places and hotels to undertake light commissions.—adj. Commis′sioned.—ns. Commis′sioner, one who holds a commission to perform some business: a member of a commission; Commis′sionership.—Commissioned officer, one appointed by commission—in the navy, the officers from the lieutenant; in the army, from the ensign upwards. [From Commit.]