Coun'cil, n.

n. [Fr. concile, Pr. concili, Sp., Pg., & It. concilio, from Lat. concilium, from concire, conciere, to bring or assemble together, from con and ciere, ciere, to move, excite, or call to. This word is often confounded with counsel, with which it has no connection.

1Sense 1. An assembly of men summoned or convened for consultation, deliberation, or advice; as, a council of physicians to consult in a difficult case.

The winged heralds by command . . . proclaim A solemn council forthwith to be held. Milton.

2Sense 2. Act of deliberation; consultation of a council.

Satan . . . void of rest, His potentates to council called by night. Milton.

Aulic council. See AULIC.—Common council. See COMMON.—Council of war, an assembly of officers called to consult with the commander-in-chief in regard to measures of importance or necessity.—Ecumenical council (Eccl.), 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. [U. S.]—Legislative council, the upper house of a legislature, usually called Senate.—Privy council, a body of men specially selected and sworn as advisers of the crown. [Eng.]

Synonyms—Assembly; meeting; congress; diet; convention; convocation.