— counselable; esp. Brit., counsellable , adj.
/kown"seuhl/ , n. , pl. counsel for 3, v. , counseled, counseling or ( esp. Brit. ) counselled, counselling .
n.
1. advice; opinion or instruction given in directing the judgment or conduct of another.
2. interchange of opinions as to future procedure; consultation; deliberation.
3. Law. ( used with a sing. or pl. v. ) the advocate or advocates engaged in the direction of a cause in court; a legal adviser or counselor: Is counsel for the defense present?
4. deliberate purpose; plan; design.
5. Theol. one of the advisory declarations of Christ, considered by some Christians as not universally binding but as given for aid in attaining moral perfection.
6. Archaic. a private or secret opinion or purpose.
7. Obs. wisdom; prudence.
8. keep one's own counsel , to conceal one's ideas or opinions; keep silent.
9. take counsel , to ask for or exchange advice, ideas, or opinions; deliberate; consult.
v.t.
10. to give advice to; advise.
11. to urge the adoption of, as a course of action; recommend (a plan, policy, etc.): He counseled patience during the crisis.
v.i.
12. to give counsel or advice.
13. to get or take counsel or advice.
[ 1175-1225; (n.) ME counseil cunseil, OF conseil consilium debate, advice, advisory body, plan, equiv. to consil-, var. s. of consulere to apply for advice (see CONSULT) + -ium -IUM; (v.) cunseiler (OF conseillier ) consiliare, deriv. of consilium ]
Syn. 1. recommendation, suggestion. See advice. 3. lawyer, attorney; solicitor, barrister.
Usage . See council .