Definition of the word commissary

The word "commissary" has a rich history dating back to the 14th century. It originates from the Latin "comissorium," which referred to a person who shared meals with others. In the Middle Ages, a commissary was a high-ranking officer in the French military who was responsible for supplying food and provisions to troops. Over time, the term evolved to include a person appointed by a court or government to manage the finances or supplies of a particular department or institution. In the United States, the term "commissary" is often used in the military to refer to a store that provides food and other essentials to soldiers. In a civilian context, a commissary may refer to a person who oversees the management of a social welfare organization or a supplier of goods and services to an organization or institution.