commissary

From Late Latin commissarius, from commissus, past participle of committere (“to commit, entrust to”).

commissary (plural commissaries)

1. A store primarily serving persons in an institution, most often soldiers or prisoners.
2. A cafeteria at a movie studio.
3. One to whom is committed some charge, duty, or office, by a superior power; a commissioner.
   • John Donne

     Great Destiny, the Commissary of God

4. An officer of the bishop, who exercises ecclesiastical jurisdiction in parts of the diocese at a distance from the residence of the bishop.

   (Can we find and add a quotation of Ayliffe to this entry?)

5. An officer who supplies provisions to an army.
6. (Scotland, law) The judge in a commissary court.
7. A higher-ranking police officer.

• commissary general
• commissaryship