commissar
English edit
Etymology edit
From Russian комисса́р (komissár), from German Kommissar (“commissioner”), from Latin commissarius, from commissus, past participle of committō (“to commit, entrust to”). Doublet of commissary.
Pronunciation edit
Noun edit
commissar (plural commissars)
- (historical) An official of the Communist Party, often attached to a military unit, who was responsible for political education.
- (historical, Soviet Union) In the early Soviet Union, the head of a commissariat.
- (colloquial) A political functionary whose job is to push the party or government line. Often used semi-humorously.
Derived terms edit
Translations edit
(Soviet Union) the head of a commissariat
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