The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Commode \Com*mode"\, n. [F. commode, fr. commode convenient, L.
   commodus; com- + modus measure, mode. See Mode.]
   1. A kind of headdress formerly worn by ladies, raising the
      hair and fore part of the cap to a great height.
      [1913 Webster]

            Or under high commodes, with looks erect.
                                                  --Granville.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. A piece of furniture, so named according to temporary
      fashion; as:
      (a) A chest of drawers or a bureau.
      (b) A night stand with a compartment for holding a chamber
          vessel.
      (c) A kind of close stool.
      (d) A movable sink or stand for a wash bowl, with closet.
          [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Lavatory \Lav"a*to*ry\, n.; pl. Lavatories. [L. lavatorium:
   cf. lavatoire. See Lave to wash, and cf. Laver.]
   1. A place for washing.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. A basin or other vessel for washing in.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. A wash or lotion for a diseased part.
      [1913 Webster]

   4. A place where gold is obtained by washing.
      [1913 Webster]

   5. A room containing one or more sinks for washing, as well
      as one or more toilet fixtures; also called bathroom,
      toilet, and sometimes commode. Commode and toilet may
      refer to a room with only a toilet fixture, but without a
      sink.

   Syn: toilet, lavatory, can, facility, john, privy, bathroom.
        [WordNet 1.5 +PJC]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

commode
    n 1: a plumbing fixture for defecation and urination [syn:
         toilet, can, commode, crapper, pot, potty,
         stool, throne]
    2: a tall elegant chest of drawers [syn: chiffonier,
       commode]