commissary
commissary Lexical Profile
commissary Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A store for the sale of food, groceries, and equipment, especially one located on a military post, in a logging or mining camp, or inside a correctional facility.
"Families stationed on the base do most of their weekly grocery shopping at the commissary."
North American A restaurant or dining hall for employees within a workplace, especially at a movie or television studio.
"The cast and crew gathered in the studio commissary to eat lunch between scenes."
An official or deputy appointed by a superior to carry out a specific duty or exercise delegated authority, especially within a church or government.
"The bishop appointed a trusted commissary to oversee the remote parish during his absence."
• Rhymes for commissary
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Medieval Latin commissarius ('one in charge, a delegate'), from Latin commissus, the past participle of committere ('to entrust, commit'). Originally denoting an appointed deputy or official, the word shifted by the 18th century to refer to military officers in charge of supplies, and subsequently to the supply stores themselves.