Council /(koun"sĭl)/

Coun·cil

Council

n.
  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.

Phrases & Compounds
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
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.
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
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.
Legislative council
the upper house of a legislature, usually called the senate.
Privy council
See under Privy.