¹counsel

noun coun·sel \ˈkau̇n(t)-səl\

: advice given to someone

law : a lawyer who represents a person or group in a court of law

Full Definition of COUNSEL

a : advice given especially as a result of consultation

b : a policy or plan of action or behavior

: deliberation, consultation

a archaic : purpose

b : guarded thoughts or intentions

a plural counsel (1) : a lawyer engaged in the trial or management of a case in court (2) : a lawyer appointed to advise and represent in legal matters an individual client or a corporate and especially a public body

b : consultant 2

See counsel defined for English-language learners

See counsel defined for kids

Examples of COUNSEL

We seek counsel from the rich and powerful to learn their secret … —Ken Tucker, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Feb. 2004
No matter how much time he is given, counsel would always like more, but the Chief Justice will not grant an extra minute unless the lawyer is responding to a question from the bench. —Robert H. Bork, The Tempting Of America, 1990
God had done a poor job, and Soaphead suspected that he himself could have done better. It was in fact a pity that the Maker had not sought his counsel. —Toni Morrison, The Bluest Eye, (1970) 1994
Counsel were to be employed. … And when the matter had been decided by the lawyers, Lord Fawn was to express his regret for having suspected his lady-love! —Anthony Trollope, The Eustace Diamonds, 1871
[+]more [-]hide

Origin of COUNSEL

Middle English conseil, from Anglo-French cunseil, from Latin consilium, from consulere to consult

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to COUNSEL

Synonyms: advocate, attorney, attorney-at-law, lawyer, counselor (or counsellor), counselor-at-law, legal eagle

²counsel

verb coun·sel \ˈkau̇n(t)-səl\

: to give advice to (someone)

: to listen to and give support or advice to (someone) especially as a job

: to suggest or recommend (something)

coun·seled or coun·selledcoun·sel·ing or coun·sel·ling \-s(ə-)liŋ\

Full Definition of COUNSEL

transitive verb

: advise <counseled them to avoid rash actions — George Orwell>

intransitive verb

: consult <counseled with her husband>

See counsel defined for English-language learners

Examples of COUNSEL

He balked at authority and, according to Mr. Green, tuned you out if you tried to counsel him. —David Grann, New Republic, 14 Feb. 2000
She had six children, whom she counseled and with great wisdom and patience. —Erma Bombeck, The Best of Bombeck, (1965) 1967
I had counselled Catherine to dine upstairs, but as soon as he perceived her vacant seat he sent me to call her. —Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights, 1847
[+]more [-]hide