commissariat

[ kom-uh-sair-ee-uht ]

noun

1. any of the major governmental divisions of the U.S.S.R.: called ministry since 1946.
2. the organized method or manner by which food, equipment, transport, etc., is delivered to armies.
3. the department of an army charged with supplying provisions.

commissariat

/ ˌkɒmɪˈsɛərɪət /

noun

1. (in the former Soviet Union) a government department before 1946 Now calledministry
2. 1. a military department in charge of food supplies, equipment, etc
   2. the offices of such a department
3. food supplies

Word History and Origins

Origin of commissariat¹

1600–10; < New Latin commissāriātus, equivalent to Medieval Latin commissāri ( us ) commissary + -ātus -ate ³; commissariat ( def 1 ) < Russian komissariát ≪ New Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of commissariat¹

C17: from New Latin commissāriātus, from Medieval Latin commissārius commissary

Example Sentences

The OGPU's functions were later transferred to the NKVD, the People's Commissariat for Internal Affairs, which carried out the worst of Stalin's repression.

From Reuters

The commissariat held 38 women, it said, some of whom slept in the chief's office overnight under police supervision, where other detainees were permitted "a breather" during the day.

From Reuters

He had bad news from the Military Commissariat.

From Seattle Times

Stalin called on the People’s Commissariat for Internal Affairs or NKVD, a military police force of spies and assassins, to root out treachery...whether it was real or possible or even fantastically impossible.

From Literature

On October 8, 1941, the People’s Commissariat of Defense issued Order 0099 to form a combat group of female aviators, including commanders, pilots, navigators, mechanics, armorers, and ground staff, to be created and led by Marina Raskova.

From Literature