I. ˈkau̇n(t)səl also ˈkän- noun
( -s ; see sense 6a )
Etymology: Middle English counseil, conseil, from Old French conseil, from Latin consilium, from com- + -silium (perhaps akin to Greek helein to take) — more at sell
1.
a. : instruction or recommendation especially when given as a result of consultation : opinion , advice , direction
his own more wary followers took heed to his counsel — W.H.Prescott
b. : a policy or plan of action or behavior
observe the sixth commandment, not as a precept of divine law but as a counsel of profitable prudence — W.L.Sullivan
2. : interchange of opinion especially on possible procedure : discussion , deliberation , consultation
3. obsolete : faculty or exercise of deliberate judgment : prudence , thoughtfulness
4. archaic : a plan arrived at through deliberation : intention , purpose
the counsel of the Lord stands forever — Ps 33:11 (Revised Standard Version)
5.
a. archaic : secret purpose or opinion : private confidence : secret
did you ne'er hear say, two may keep counsel , putting one away — Shakespeare
b. : reflection, thought, intent, or plan discreetly and carefully guarded from being known — used in the phrase keep one's own counsel
chary and given to keeping his own counsel
6. : adviser:
a. plural counsel
(1) : a lawyer engaged in the trial or management of a cause in court : barrister
his counsel is able
the arguments of counsel
to have the assistance of counsel for his defense — U.S. Constitution
if counsel are familiar with the rules of this court
counsel for Johnson argued brilliantly in behalf of their client — Marshall Smelser & H.W.Kirwin
(2) : a lawyer appointed or engaged to advise and represent a particular client, public officer, or public body in legal matters (as before a government agency) — called also legal counsel
b. : consultant 2
II. verb
( counseled or counselled ; counseled or counselled ; counseling -s(ə)liŋ ; or counselling ; counsels )
Etymology: Middle English counseillen, conseillen, from Old French cunseiller, conseiller, from Latin consiliari, from consilium
transitive verb
1. : to advise especially seriously and formally after consultation
counseled them to avoid rash actions — George Orwell
especially : to advise (students) on personal or vocational problems
2. : to recommend especially as the best or most expedient act, course, or policy
counsel great caution
he wrote to his father counseling further delay — T.E.Lawrence
intransitive verb
: consult , deliberate
counseling about the problem