v. Obs. Forms: 4 comise, 5 comyse, 5–6 commyse, 6 commysse, commiss, 5–7 commise. [f. F. commis, -mise, pa. pple. of commettre to COMMIT: cf. commise committal; formed in the same way as premise, promise, surmise.] An earlier type of the vb. COMMIT.
1. trans. To give in charge, entrust, consign; = COMMIT 1, 3
1480. Caxton, Chron. Eng., cclvii. 336. Lord Egremond was … commysed to prison. Ibid. (1485), St. Wenefr., 1. The seid theuith … also commysed to hym his douȝter.
1521. Fisher, Wks., 316. Peter … to whom he commysed … the cure of the christen people.
1623. Favine, Theat. Hon., II. xii. 177. Had their cause commised in the said Parliament.
2. To commission, appoint; = COMMIT 5.
1475. Caxton, Jason, 72. For to supporte the shal be commysed Zechius and Zethephius thy lieutenaunts. Ibid. (1491), Vitas Patr. (W. de W., 1495), I. vii. 10 b/2. He … commysed many men to kepe hem.
3. To commit, perpetrate, do (a crime, offense, etc.); = COMMIT 6. Rarely in a good sense.
1475. Caxton, Jason, 124. The shameful feet commysed by them. Ibid. (1485), Chas. Gt., Introd. 1. Werkes haultayne doon and commysed by their grete strength. Ibid. (1491), Vitas Patr. (W. de W., 1495), I. xvi. 19 b/1. Commisynge many theftes.
1538. Bale, God’s Promises, III., in Hazl., Dodsley, I. 297. An uncomelye acte without shame Ham commysed.
