(koun"s<ecr/l), n. [OE. conseil, F. conseil, fr. L. consilium, fr. the root of consulere to consult, of uncertain origin. Cf. Consult, Consul.] 1.
Interchange of opinions; mutual advising; consultation.
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-All the chief priest and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus, to put him to death. Matt. xxvii. 1.
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2.
Examination of consequences; exercise of deliberate judgment; prudence.
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-They all confess, therefore, in the working of that first cause, that counsel is used. Hooker.
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3.
Result of consultation; advice; instruction.
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-I like thy counsel; well hast thou advised. Shak.
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-It was ill counsel had misled the girl. Tennyson.
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4.
Deliberate purpose; design; intent; scheme; plan.
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-The counsel of the Lord standeth forever. Ps. xxxiii. 11.
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-The counsels of the wicked are deceit. Prov. xii. 5.
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5.
A secret opinion or purpose; a private matter.
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-Thilke lord . . . to whom no counsel may be hid. Gower.
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6.
One who gives advice, especially in legal matters; one professionally engaged in the trial or management of a cause in court; also, collectively, the legal advocates united in the management of a case; as, the defendant has able counsel.
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-The King found his counsel as refractory as his judges. Macaulay.
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