society > armed hostility > warrior > soldier > leader or commander > officer or soldier of rank > [adjective] > holding a rank by commission (3)
That is or has been commissioned; (also) conferred by commission. Cf. commissionate, v.
That is or has been commissioned (in various senses of commission, v.). Also (chiefly Scottish) as past participle.
Military. Of an officer: holding a rank by commission (commission, n.1 1b). Cf. non-commissioned, adj. 1.