Council
Council (koun"sil) , noun
[French concile, from Latin concilium; con- + calare to call, akin to Greek {not transcribed} to call, and English hale, v., haul. Compare Conciliate. This word is often confounded with counsel, with which it has no connection.]
1.
An assembly of men summoned or convened for consultation, deliberation, or advice; as, a council of physicians for consultation in a critical case.
2.
A body of man elected or appointed to constitute an advisory or a legislative assembly; as, a governor's council; a city council.
An old lord of the council rated me the other day.
3.
Act of deliberating; deliberation; consultation.
Satan... void of rest,
His potentates to council called by night.
O great in action and in council wise.
Collocations (12)
Aulic council , See under Aulic.
Cabinet council , See under Cabinet.
City council , the legislative branch of a city government, usually consisting of a board of aldermen and common council, but sometimes otherwise constituted.
Common council , See under Common.
Council board or Council table , the table round which a council holds consultation; also, the council itself in deliberation.
Council chamber , the room or apartment in which a council meets.
Council fire , the ceremonial fire kept burning while the Indians hold their councils. [United States] — Bartlett
Council of war , an assembly of officers of high rank, called to consult with the commander in chief in regard to measures or importance or nesessity.
Ecumenical council (Ecclesiastical) , an assembly of prelates or divines convened from the whole body of the church to regulate matters of doctrine or discipline.
Executive council , a body of men elected as advisers of the chief magistrate, whether of a State or the nation. [United States]
Legislative council , the upper house of a legislature, usually called the senate.
Privy council , See under Privy. [English]