noun

1. 1. an authorization to perform certain duties or tasks, or to take on certain powers
   2. a document giving such authorization
2. authority to act in behalf of another
3. that which a person is authorized to do for another
4. the state of being authorized to perform certain duties or tasks
5. an entrusting, as of power and authority, to a person or body
6. the act of committing or doing; perpetration, as of a crime
7. 1. a group of people officially appointed to perform specified duties
   2. an administrative agency of the government with quasi-judicial and quasi-legislative powers
   3. a type of municipal governing body
8. a fee or a percentage of the proceeds paid to a salesperson, broker, etc., either in addition to, or in lieu of, wages or salary
9. Mil.
   1. an official certificate conferring rank; specif., a document issued by the government, making one a commissioned officer in the U.S. armed forces
   2. the rank or authority conferred

Etymology: ME & OFr < ML commissio, delegation of business (in L, a bringing together in a contest) < L commissus, pp. of committere: see commit

transitive verb

1. to give a commission to
2. to give power or authority to; authorize
3. to give an order for (a thing to be made or done)
4. to put (a vessel) into service