commissariat

/ˌkɑməˈsɛriət/
noun
  1. A department or agency responsible for supplying food, equipment, and other necessities, especially in a military or government context.
    • The commissariat was reorganized to improve the distribution of medical supplies.
    • During the war, the commissariat struggled to keep up with the demand for uniforms.
    • The army's commissariat ensured that every soldier received three meals a day.
  2. In some countries (especially historical Soviet Union), a government ministry or department headed by a commissar.
    • The Commissariat of Agriculture oversaw all farming collectives in the region.
    • He worked for the People's Commissariat for Foreign Affairs during the 1930s.
    • The commissariat issued new decrees on industrial production.
What does "commissariat" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean