Counsel

n. [Fr. conseil, Pr. consell, Pg. counselho, Sp. consejo, It. consiglio, from Lat. consilium, from the root of consulere, to consult.] 1. Mutual advising, instructing, or interchanging of opinions; consultation. The queen is coming with a puissant host, And craves your company for speedy counsel. Shak. 2. Examination of consequences; exercise of deliberate judgment; consideration; prudence. They all confess, therefore, in the working of that first cause, that counsel is used, reason followed, and a way observed. Hooker.

3. Result of consultation or deliberation; advice; opinion; instruction. “I like thy counsel.” Shak.
4. Deliberate purpose; design; intent; scheme; plan. “Peaceful counsels.” Milton.
5. 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.

In some courts a distinction is observed between the attorney and the counsel in a cause, the former being employed in the management of the more mechanical parts of the suit, the latter in attending to the pleadings, managing the cause at the trial, and in applying the law to the exigencies of the case during the whole progress of the suit. In other courts the same person can exercise the powers of each. See ATTORNEY. Kent. 6. That which is made the subject of deliberation; a concealed purpose; a secret. [Obs.] To keep counsel, to hold a purpose, &c., as a secret. Syn.—Advice; consideration; consultation; purpose; scheme; opinion.