Commission

A commission is the political appointment[?] of a named person to an office[?] of power or authority, in government or in the military.

The word commission is a also used to refer to the physical legal document[?] which authorizes the appointment. There have been legal cases where the validity of a person's appointment has been disputed based on whether or not the commission was properly signed and approved.

A commission is also a fee or allowance given to a sales person or agent in exchange for services rendered.

See also

commissioned officer, writ, warrant, warrant officer, stock broker