Commissionaire

Today’s Word: Commissionaire.

Pronunciation: /kəmIʃəˈneə/

Part of Speech: Noun.

Etymology: from French and Latin commission. First used in 1641.

Meaning: A uniformed doorman who stands at the entrance to a hotel, theatre, etc. A uniformd attendant.

Usage: The commissionaire was shot dead during the robbery attack.

Synonym: Doorman.

General Note:  A security guard is different form a commissionaire who is a civilian or specially trained personnel who must be in uniform to be able to stand out. The main duty is to open and close door, stop vehicles to allow entry and exit or movement of pedestrians. Also welcoming and assisting members of staff and visitors as and when required, as well as operating and monitoring CCTV cameras.

 
 Commissionaires do not handle weaponry and this differentiates them from security men on guard.