n.1 a an advisory, deliberative, or administrative body of people formally constituted and meeting regularly. b a meeting of such a body.
2 a the elected local administrative body of a parish, district, town, city, or administrative county and its paid officers and workforce. b (attrib.) (esp. of housing) provided by a local council (council flat; council estate).
3 a body of persons chosen as advisers (Privy Council).
4 an ecclesiastical assembly (ecumenical council).
Phrases and idioms:
council-chamber a room in which a council meets. council-house a building in which a council meets. council of war
1. an assembly of officers called in a special emergency.
2 any meeting held to plan a response to an emergency. the Queen (or King) in Council the Privy Council as issuing Orders in Council or receiving petitions etc.
Etymology: ME f. AF cuncile f. L concilium convocation, assembly f. calare summon: cf. COUNSEL