ˈkaunsl n. 1 a an
advisory,
deliberative, or
administrative body of
people formally constituted
and meeting regularly. b a meeting of
such a body. 2 a
the elected
local administrative body of a
parish,
district,
town,
city, or administrative
county and
its paid officers and
workforce. b (attrib.) (esp. of housing)
provided by a local council (council flat; council estate). 3 a body of persons
chosen as advisers (Privy Council). 4 an
ecclesiastical assembly (ecumenical council). øcouncil-chamber a
room in
which a council meets. council-house a
building in which a council meets. council of
war 1 an assembly of officers called in a
special emergency. 2
any meeting
held to
plan a
response to an emergency. the
Queen (or King) in Council the
Privy Council as issuing Orders in Council or receiving petitions etc. [ME f. AF cuncile f. L concilium
convocation, assembly f. calare
summon:
cf. COUNSEL]