Search results for 'commission':

commission noun 1 a a formal or official request to someone to perform a task or duty; b the authority to perform such a task or duty; c the task or duty performed. 2 a a military rank above the level of officer; b the document conferring this rank. 3 an order for a piece of work, especially a work of art. 4 a board or committee entrusted with a particular task • the equal rights commission. 5 a fee or percentage given to an agent for arranging a sale, etc. 6 the act of committing (eg a crime). verb (commissioned, commissioning) 1 to give a commission or authority to someone. 2 to grant a military rank above a certain level to someone. 3 to request someone to do something. 4 to place an order for something, eg a work of art, etc. 5 to prepare (a ship) for active service. in or out of commission in or not in use or working condition.
ETYMOLOGY: 14c: French, from Latin commissio, from committere to commit.