Noun

Singular consignment

Plural consignments

consignment (plural consignments)

1. A collection of goods to be sent, in transit or having been sent.

Related terms

• consignee
• consignor

Consignment is the act of consigning, which is placing a person or thing in the hand of another, but retaining ownership until the goods are sold or person is transferred. This may be done for shipping, transfer of prisoners, or for sale in a store (i.e. a consignment shop).

Features of consignment are:

1. The relation between the two parties is that of consignor and consignee and not that of buyer and seller
2. The consignor is entitled to receive all the expenses in connection with consignment
3. The consignee is not responsible for damage of goods during transport or any other procedure.
4. Goods are sold at the risk of consignor. The profit or loss belongs to consignor only.

The word consignment comes from Fr. consigner "to hand over or transmit", originally from Lat. consignare "to affix a seal," as was done with official documents just before being sent.