commissionaire

[ kuh-mish-uh-nair ]

noun

, British.

1. a uniformed attendant, as a doorkeeper or usher.

commissionaire

/ kəˌmɪʃəˈnɛə /

noun

1. a uniformed doorman at a hotel, theatre, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of commissionaire¹

1755–65; < French commissionnaire; commission, -aire

Word History and Origins

Origin of commissionaire¹

C18: from French, from commission

Example Sentences

I passed through the Rue d'Antin without even coming across a commissionaire.

From Project Gutenberg

That Kitty had reproached me for my lack of trust in her about my commissionaire's post was also easily to be accounted for.

From Project Gutenberg

I know that; so I turns and runs off for a policeman, or one of those commissionaire chaps.

From Project Gutenberg

She acknowledged mechanically the low bow of the commissionaire who opened the door for her.

From Project Gutenberg

He watched the vehicle roll away, and then scowled at the commissionaire, who waited expectantly for a tip.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• courier
• emissary
• go-between
• mediator
• prophet