1. court lawyer: a lawyer or group of lawyers who conduct cases in court or give legal advice
(
takes a singular or plural verb
)
2. somebody who gives advice: somebody whose advice is sought or who acts as an official adviser
3. advice: advice sought from or given by somebody, especially somebody who is wise or knowledgeable
(
formal
)
(
often used in the plural
)
4. consultation: consultation with others
(
archaic or literary
)
transitive verb (past and past participlecoun·seled, present participlecoun·sel·ing, 3rd person present singularcoun·sels)
Definition:
1. advise somebody to do something: to advise somebody on a particular course of action
(
formal
)
2. advise somebody on personal problems: to give somebody advice and support on personal or psychological matters, usually in a professional context
[12th century. Via Old French conseil< Latin consilium "consultation" < consulere "seek advice"]
keep your own counsel to keep your thoughts and intentions secret
Word Usage
See council.
The word counsel ("lawyer, adviser") is correctly pronounced /kównss'l, /, not /kónss'l, /, which is the pronunciation of consul ("government official working abroad").