Commissional

com·mis·sion  (k-mshn)

n.

1.

a. The act of granting certain powers or the authority to carry out a particular task or duty.

b. The authority so granted.

c. The matter or task so authorized: Investigation of fraud was their commission.

d. A document conferring such authorization.

2.

a. A group of people officially authorized to perform certain duties or functions: The Federal Trade Commission investigates false advertising.

b. often Commission A ruling council within the Mafia that adjudicates family disputes and regulates family activities.

3. The act of committing or perpetrating: the commission of a crime.

4. A fee or percentage allowed to a sales representative or an agent for services rendered.

5.

a. An official document issued by a government, conferring on the recipient the rank of a commissioned officer in the armed forces.

b. The rank and powers so conferred.

tr.v. com·mis·sioned, com·mis·sion·ing, com·mis·sions

1. To grant a commission to. See Synonyms at authorize.

2. To place an order for: commissioned a new symphony for the festival.

3. To put (a ship) into active service.

Idioms:

in commission

1. In active service. Used of a ship.

2. 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

1. Not in active service. Used of a ship.

2. Not in use or working condition.

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

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com·mission·a·ble adj.

com·mission·al adj.