Com*mis`sion*aire" (?), n. [F. commissionnaire. Cf. Commissioner.]
1.
One intrusted with a commission, now only a small commission, as an errand; esp., an attendant or subordinate employee in a public office, hotel, or the like. The commissionaire familiar to European travelers performs miscellaneous services as a light porter, messenger, solicitor for hotels, etc.
2.
One of a corps of pensioned soldiers, as in London, employed as doorkeepers, messengers, etc.
© Webster 1913