commissar

Meanings

1. An official of the Communist Party, often attached to a military unit, who was responsible for political education.
2. The head of a commissariat.
3. A political functionary whose job is to push the party or government line.

Etymology

Borrowed from Russian комисса́р (komissár), from German Kommissar (“commissioner”), from Latin commissarius, from commissus, past participle of committō (“to commit, entrust to”). Doublet of commissary.