COMMISSARIES Meaning and
Definition
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Commissaries refer to designated retail establishments, typically found on military installations or in government facilities, that specialize in the sale of goods and provisions to military service members, veterans, and their families. These establishments are operated and managed by the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA), an agency of the United States Department of Defense.
Commissaries play a crucial role in providing affordable and convenient shopping options to authorized patrons, who may include active-duty military personnel, National Guard members, reservists, and retired military members. They offer a wide range of products, including groceries, household items, electronics, apparel, and personal care products, at prices often lower than those found at civilian retail stores. These reduced prices are made possible by the inclusion of a surcharge, which covers the operating costs of the commissaries, such as their manpower and infrastructure expenses.
Furthermore, the commissaries serve as a valuable benefit to the military community by supporting their welfare and enhancing their quality of life. They contribute to military readiness by ensuring that service members have access to affordable, quality goods, thereby reducing financial strain on their families. Commisaries also provide a sense of familiarity for military families, as they are often stationed in various locations around the world, allowing them to retain a sense of normalcy through the availability of familiar products.
In summary, commissaries are specialized retail establishments that provide goods and provisions to members of the military community at reduced prices. They are an essential resource that supports the well-being and readiness of military service members and their families.
Common Misspellings for COMMISSARIES
Etymology of COMMISSARIES
The word "commissaries" is derived from the Latin word "commissarius", which means "delegate" or "agent". This Latin term originated from the verb "committere", meaning "to entrust" or "to commit". Over time, the word evolved and entered into various European languages, including French, where it became "commis" meaning "commissioned officer". In English, the term "commissary" was first used in the 16th century to refer to someone in charge of supplies or provisions for an army, and it later came to signify a store or shop that sells goods, particularly in military or institutional contexts.
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