commissionaire
[kuh-mish-uh-nair]
- a uniformed attendant, as a doorkeeper or usher.
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Origin of commissionaire
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
prophetgo-betweenemissarycouriermediatorgoferambassadorharbingerbearerrunnerenvoydetailagentheraldprecursorforerunnercarrierministerpostdetachmentExamples from the Web for commissionaire
Historical Examples
The commissionaire regarded him contemptuously, but did not reply to the sarcasm.
The Foolish LoversSt. John G. Ervine
At seven o'clock that night the commissionaire was discovered.
The Man Who KnewEdgar Wallace
Then came the charge of our "commissionaire" for his services.
Glances at EuropeHorace Greeley
"Yes, since one o'clock I have been in my office," said the commissionaire.
Jack O' JudgmentEdgar Wallace
"Nobody has gone up them stairs," said the commissionaire emphatically.
Jack O' JudgmentEdgar Wallace
commissionaire
- mainly British a uniformed doorman at a hotel, theatre, etc
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Word Origin
C18: from French, from commission
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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