Meanings
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1
noun
a store that supplies food and other goods to members of a military base, prison, or similar institution
The family bought groceries at the base commissary.
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2
noun
an official entrusted with special administrative duties, especially supplying an army or representing a government
The provincial commissary assessed the district's taxes on behalf of the intendant.
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3
noun
a food-service facility at a film studio or other workplace
The cast met for lunch in the studio commissary.
Thesaurus
Etymology
From Late Latin commissarius, 'one entrusted with a duty,' based on Latin committere, 'to entrust.' The word first named a delegated official; military supply duties then gave rise to the American sense of a provisions store.