counsel

¹coun·sel

noun \ˈkau̇n(t)-səl\

Definition of COUNSEL

1

a : advice given especially as a result of consultation b : a policy or plan of action or behavior

2

: deliberation, consultation

3

a archaic : purpose b : guarded thoughts or intentions

4

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

Examples of COUNSEL

1. You were unwise to reject my counsel.
2. The student sought counsel from her teacher.
3. She is serving as counsel for the defendant.
4. All counsel are expected to obey the rules of the court.
5. We seek counsel from the rich and powerful to learn their secret … —Ken Tucker, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Feb. 2004
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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

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

Related Words: cocounsel; district attorney, prosecuting attorney, prosecutor, solicitor; criminal lawyer, mouthpiece [slang], public defender, trial lawyer; solicitor; jurist; lawgiver, lawmaker, legislator, solon; ambulance chaser, pettifogger, Philadelphia lawyer, shyster

Near Antonyms: counselee

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide