com·mis·sion (kə-mĭsh'ən)
n.

1. 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.
2. 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.
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. 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.

tr.v., -sioned, -sion·ing, -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

1. 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.

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

commissionable com·mis'sion·a·ble adj.
commissional com·mis'sion·al adj.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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