noun
Etymology: Middle English prive counseil, from prive privy + counseil council — more at council
1. archaic : a secret or private council
they'll admit me as one of their privy council — Oliver Goldsmith
2. usually capitalized P&C
a. : a body of officials and dignitaries chosen by the British monarch to constitute an advisory council to the Crown that although of great historical importance now seldom meets as a body and functions principally through its committees (as the cabinet and the judicial committee)
His Majesty … by and with the advice of His Privy Council — E.C.E.Leadbitter
the Privy Council in London granted him dictatorial emergency powers — S.P.Brewer
— see order-in-council
b. : a body of officials in Canada similar in power and function to the British Privy Council
Canadian cabinet ministers are members of the Privy Council
— see governor-general-in-council
3. : a council usually constituted by appointment to advise or assist a ruler or an executive
the governor of New Caledonia … is aided by a privy council — Americana Annual
the Constitution granted Jamaica in 1944 provides for … a small privy council — A.P.Zeidenfelt